Powder v MDI Inhaler (e.g. Fostair)

[Matman]

This is still tentative but, having recently decided to switch back to an ‘MDI’ style Fostair Inhaler (which I was on before switching to a Fostair NextHaler a year or two back) I must say I’m now feeling much better.

This might be coincidence, but one reason I made the switch back to MDI is because it seems to require less effort when you’re struggling for breath. i.e. you don’t have to rely on your struggling lungs having enough strength during a bad attack to draw up the powder from the Inhaler.

I also Posted a while back asking if anyone had a continuous burning sensation on the tongue - that now seems to have gone after months of discomfort. Again, might be coincidence.

If you’re having issues with Fostair NextHaler, before seeking a different inhaler brand, might be worth trying the same inhaler, but as an MDI.

One Upside of an MDI is that you can use it with a Spacer.

By contrast, an advantage of the NextHaler is that you don’t have to worry about the hygiene issue of regularly cleaning your Spacer Device - because the NextHaler can’t be used with a Spacer!

[CDPO16]

I expect that some will be fine with powder inhalers but for me personally I agree with you and also prefer an MDI inhaler. I have found in the past that I didn't always have enough lung strength to inhale a powder and often, when I did, it made me cough leaving me to wonder how much had got into my lungs. Being able to use an MDI with a spacer is a great bonus too.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

Glad you're finding the MDI better! I do want to say that while it doesn't suit everyone, the Nexthaler is a different kind of dry powder technology compared with the older ones like Symbicort. I struggled to take that when I was getting worse but find Nexthaler a lot better and like it also because of the extrafine particles - it's meant to have better deposition within the lung.

It's very individual though so if an MDI works better for you then best to stick to it. I can't use Accuhalers (the round ones) for Ventolin at all but some people prefer them.

[Amy2091]

I can't take fostair, for some reason it gives me a really nasty choking sensation - (I'm constantly pressured to go back and try again!) so I use symbicort now, which I find easier, and this is mostly used as a powder turbo inhaler. I agree that there is a certain amount of effort required to 'suck' in the medication, which if your having a bad day is absolutely useless. I think they encourage them more due to costs.

I use an MDI symbicort and it is always feels more effective in that form, especially as you can use them with a spacer should you be struggling, your asthma meds should be comfortable for you to use personally and if you struggle with powders then an MDI should be a no brainier by your prescriber.

My son uses symbicort turbo inhaler (he's 10) and he says he gets on fine with it however it took months for him to stop covering the hole with his tongue when using it!