So frustrated

[Surreymum1]

So, I’ve had asthma since I was about 15 (am now 40 something!) have been really struggling to control my symptoms and the clenil I take makes my mouth so sore I have to periodically stop taking it. When I stop taking it I then have to use my ventolin at least 10 times a day and during the night. Asthma nurse ran out of ideas so sent me to a specialist, he basically asked me to show him my inhaler technique which I did, he said it was awful but refused to show me how to use it (wtf???) and said I don’t have asthma it’s all in my head. He said not to take clenil for 3 months then go back for an exercise test to see if “I really have it” except exercise isn’t one of my triggers. Absolutely ridiculous and so upset - where and what do I do now?? He said no one ever reacts to clenil and I was talking nonsense.

[risabel59]

Hi there, Everyone can react to inhalers. In the first instance, Clenil is not the only steroid inhaler out there, there are many you could try.

2) If you are taking 10 puffs of ventolin a day, and you are struggling to breath your asthma is not controlled

3) Asthma diagnosis is not always straight forward, there are different types of Asthma, Normally full spirometry will be carried out, along with blood tests, FeNo Testing, and sometimes a Metacholine challenge test. or variation of it. An exercise test is rarely part of an initial assessment unless you are specifically exercise induced.

4) I would go back to your GP, rather than asthma Nurse and explain the situation, and ask to try a different inhaler, It may be that you need a step up in medication to a combination inhaler.

5) There are some great videos on the ASTHMA UK website that demonstrate inhaler technique. Using a spacer helps a great deal and makes sure the medicine gets to your lungs rather than your mouth. If you are not using one, you should. You can get them on prescription but only cost about a tenner from the pharmacy.

6) A great tip my dentist gave me, is to stop using an alcohol based mouthwash after a steroid inhaler, as it kills good bacteria as well as bad, and then allows fungus/thrush to take hold. Rinse your mouth out well with water after using your inhaler, if you need a mouth wash use warm salt water.

7) Please don't continue to use so much ventolin without seeing a healthcare professional. If necessary use the Asthma UK helpline, the nurses are fabulous!!!!

Best of luck

R