Inhaler slightly makes breathing worse. I think....

[Gazza01]

Hi all. Over the last few days my breathing has been pretty good. I have adult onset. Plus mild copd.

I use Fostair 100/6 2 puffs twice a day.

What I seem to notice is that usually I am ready for the next dose after 12 hours. Sometimes before that.

But as my breathing has been good recently, I've noticed that when I take my two puffs my breathing actually gets very slightly worse.

Is this something any of you notice occasionally or is this a sign that I should change to something else.

Thanks

[Junglechicken]

I would always suggest if you have any worries/concerns about your meds you speak to your GP/specialist. They know your medical history and your current needs best.

[Gazza01 in reply to Junglechicken]

The GP and asthma nurse dont seem to have any depth of knowledge. I am wondering if once inhaled its irritating my throat more than my breathing. I can't really get a handle on it. Cheers

[Trickz008 in reply to Gazza01]

I found with fostair that the benefits lasted only short term. Luckily I have a brilliant asthma nurse who moves on to the next thing without hesitation. It definitely seems like you need a different inhaler until you find one that suits. I’m currently on seretide and qvar. With regards to your throat, and without meaning to sound patronising, not having the right technique can cause problems as the spray hits the back of your throat and doesn’t make it to your lungs. Use a spacer, tilt your head up slightly (didn’t know this) and breath in as slow as possible. There are some brilliant videos on the asthma I’m website.

[Gazza01 in reply to Trickz008]

Thanks my technique is fine. Doing all those things thanks though.

[Tugun]

Hi,

Trust your gut and check with a specialist. Some people do have problems but you should never go off these drugs cold turkey. A specialist would be able to advise you. I would imagine that with mild COPD you have seen a specialist so ring them and ask for advice. They maybe able to see you quickly.

[Gazza01 in reply to Tugun]

Haha. With copd the doctor just says you'll be fine, and gets you an appt with the asthma nurse. She just hands out inhalers to the old folk who don't ask questions. When I do she looks at me as if I've done something nasty in her hand bag.

As for being sent to a specialist.... Nah.

I'm going abroad soon for a few weeks so won't change till I get back but might have to try some new ones. Didn't get on with surdupla or duoresp. Came of spiriva as I saw it can cause early death in patients with heart issues, which I have. Especially if you have arrhythmia or palpitations.

We'll see. Thanks all.

[Tugun in reply to Gazza01]

Hi,

I've also met those particular people and, even though I have given them a chance over the years, I have discovered not to waste my time. They don't listen. They don't think. Whatever is driving them envelops them in a shield of false superiority which turns their brain into rock - nothing new comes in or out. Unfortunately they can be a stumbling block to moving forward and can cause a person to doubt themselves. I now tend to move around them. There are also the benign ones - where your words bounce off them as if they were hitting marshmallow and they smile kindly at you but you know they didn't really think about what you've just said and you leave feeling smothered by a blanket of their kind condescension.

Sorry about the whimsy above. Your words brought back memories.

Good Luck Gazza. Keep pushing through. I can only say that I am healthier now in my "advanced age" than I was in my twenties because I didn't just obey mindlessly but did my research and tried a variety of alternatives and doctors. Some worked. Some didn't. Eventually you find what works for you. I can see you are on the right track. Enjoy your Holiday!

[Gazza01 in reply to Tugun]

Thanks, really enjoyed your post. I've been an engineer all my working life and find with a good common sense approach and lots of knowledge you can get to the bottom of most things. So it gets me very angry when those people don't listen to me. They don't even know the guidelines. Shocking.

[Babbela]

You might need to increase dosage mine is 200 /6 same puffs it might last longer for you suggest to your asthma nurse sometimes you have to push to get results .

[Gazza01 in reply to Babbela]

Yeah the only problem is that the copd side of my breathing issues shouldn't really be treated with steroids at all unless you are severe. And as I'm still mild I should only need the steroid for my asthma part. Which is fine, but I want to keep the steroids to a minimum. I get on better with a puff of ventolin halfway through the day. But it seems lately to be such a crime to use it everyday that I'm expecting the asthma squad to kick the door in. I think you should have to have a lung disease before you can apply to be an asthma nurse.

[Babbela in reply to Gazza01]

Ha ha I agree my new asthma nurse has it herself so she can relate with me how I feel so its a bonus but over the years it hasn't been easy sometimes you feel they don't listen to you they know best .Hope you get sorted out soon everyone derserves to breathe easier it effects your day to day life .