Mild Asthma - prescribed Relvar - should I take it?

[thethoughtofgettingout]

Name-changed.
Been on MN for a million years.
Sorry for long post, but could do with views...
I am struggling to make the decision whether to take Relvar.
Recently relocated, so new GP.
I was diagnosed with asthma at 16, I am now in my 50's. More cough-variant asthma really.

Had steroids twice in life for worsening asthma.
Never had asthma attack that has needed hospital or nebuliser.
Use ventoiln / salbutamol. Usually 1 puff is enough. Use once a week or so.
Don't use steroid inhaler as I always get oral thrush, despite using spacer / rinsing mouth.

I have allergies.
Being around perfume, dogs, cats, horses, etc make my asthma much worse, so I avoid places that trigger asthma.
I have had asthma reviews for years - no change in treatment.
Recent medicine review with new asthma nurse.
She says take Relvar as i should have asthma under control and not have to avoid triggers.
Shouldn't need salbutamol as much.

I am bit surprised. Always considered myself a mild asthmatic that needs salbutamol occasionally.
However, thinking about it, I do avoid situations / activities that make asthma worse.
Use salbutamol as a preventative if I am doing exercise / near dogs. Nurse says current advice is not to use salbutamol like that, but use Relvar instead.

Trying to weigh up side effects v benefits.
What is your experience of Relvar?
Am I being an idiot & should I just take it?

I've been using it for a while and notice if I miss a dose. No problems with it at all.
I thought Salbutamol is used for treatment not prevention?

Salbutamol is not meant to be used as a preventer. If you are getting symptoms or are avoiding things you know trigger them, you should be taking a preventer. I'm surprised you've been allowed to go as long as you have without being prescribed more than Salbutamol, particularly if you've had to have steroids twice along the way. I wouldn't have any hesitation in trying the Relvar, it could really improve things for you.

Well managed asthma = using the blue inhaler maybe once in 3 months. They are very hot on it at my gp surgery, I wonder if there’s some new medical guidance out?

They spent at least 20 mins on the phone to me explaining how being exposed to old of new triggers can trigger an overall worsening. Therefore it’s better for long term health to manage the asthma to such an extent that the blue inhaler is needed a minimal amount of at all.

Even not having used blue inhaler for 6 months she still wouldn’t approve a trial coming off the low steroid dose for a further 6 months til the start of summer.

Phone AsthmaUK helpline and get a view from them, they are very good as a sense check for GP advice.

But generally it is better to have the asthma controlled and not need the reliever.