Breathlessness and medication

[andyk1]

Hi

Just after I take my meds I experience breathlessness. Is this a side effect or are my inhalers making things worse?

Thanks

Andyk

[EmmaF91 Community Ambassador]

Hi sorry you’re not feeling great atm.

One potential side effect for almost all asthma medication is breathlessness/worsening of symptoms. I’d advise to go to your GP and let them know especially if you’re only breathless after the meds as could be them, or if your SoB more frequent than that it could be that you’re asthmas flaring up slightly. Either which you sound like you need a med review and potentially a change up.

Hope that helps and that it gets sorted soon x

[ChrissieMons]

Your inhalers are unlikely to be making things worse, although simply the effort of breathing deeply can be tiring if you are not well anyway. Make sure your inhaler technique is correct - videos online tell you how. Failing that, go back to your asthma nurse or GP.

[andyk1]

Thank you very much Emma and Chrissie. I have my yearly review coming up early next month so will mention it to the nurse. Winters are hard every year with the drop in temperatures and I think a rewrite of the PAP might be in order.

Look after yourselves.

Andy x

[tayokufo]

Would suggest first that you take into cognisance if it's any of the medications you are using. For me, had breathlessness when I was put on seretide & so had to be off it completely. I remember when i had to go to the A & E department, after telling the doctor I wasn't breathing well, she asked me to use the inhaler in front of her just to be sure I was using the right technique. After doing this, she discovered the issue was from my not being able to get a relieve from the ventolin inhaler (which happens very often) so i had to be nebulized while she consulted other patients. While on the nebulizer, i got very breathless so she had to nebulize me again, after the whole nebulization process, she sent me to get meds from the pharmacy then go home afterwards, it wasn't up to 20mins that I got to the pharmacy, I felt so breathless that someone had to call her up again to see me. It was later I was told that sometimes when I don't have a relieve from the inhaler & my ribs & chest ache so badly, it could be due to one of my lungs not getting enough air or due to upper or lower respiratory tract infection. Also, try to assess your environment well, take note of things that can make you breathless (triggers) & avoid them completely. I have a bad reaction to smoke, air fresheners or sprays, insecticides or pesticides, chlorine, palm oil, etc, already know some of my triggers so once I avoid them, am fine but if I don't & live carelessly, then I would get into a lot of trouble with my breathing. Lastly, talk, listen & work with your doctor. Hope this help you & hope you feel much better. Take care of yourself