ALLERGIC REACTION

[Loonadyar]

Good Morning, first time on this forum. I was diagnosed with allergic asthma this time last year. After a number of trials with different inhalers, in last couple of months I have been using the preventer inhaler Fostair which I find is just right for me, but on mentioning night cramps to the nurse she suggested I tried a new inhaler, Relvar Ellipta. Tried it for first time last Saturday and within a hour or so I had a reaction, I haven't used it since. I started to feel a heaviness in my chest with breathing problems, plus feeling of anxiety with trying to decide just what was wrong with me. Discomfort between my shoulder blades which carried through to the front of my chest. To shorten the story I think the intake of the powder contained in the inhaler irritated my bronchial tubes, maybe causing inflammation?? 5 days later I am still suffering the effects, but am back on the Fostair with my reliever Ventolin in between and beginning to recover. I have always been very wary of medications but we are at the mercy of what is available to help. My GP and asthma nurse are the best and always looking to decide what is best for my condition. Good luck to all who are suffering.

[starveycat]

I heard that bananas help with cramps don't know if this is correct but I now eat one daily and don't have so many cramps

[Chip_y2kuk in reply to starveycat]

Yes and no combination inhalers contain a long acting beta agonist (LABA) and ventolin contains a short acting beta agonist (SABA)... these are known to leach potassium from the body and one of the side effects of low potassium is cramps (usually in the legs/ arms) and can also cause asthma like symptoms (shortness of breathe etc) and bananas are high in natural potassium... effectively replenishing the lost potassium

Having said that there are lots of reasons for cramps and not all of them are good so of your unsure it's always worth getting checked

[Oldandgray]

Hi. I had to come off Forstair due to really bad muscle spasms and cramps which was a shame as it worked well. I’m now on Seretide 250/6.

I’m told that the cause of the problems with both these drugs is the second component which is the long term reliever rather than the preventer component. I have minor muscle spasms with Seretide but bearable.