Ventolin Inhaler

[Dionysius1662]

I notice a lot of talk re ventolin inhaler.

I have had a very bad chest infection christmas/new year, which seems to be coming back again.

I have COPD/asthma.

My GP asked me not to use Ventolin as much as it is bad for your heart, I took this up with the COPD nurse who knew nothing about it, and told me to carry on as usual with ventolin.

I do find it helps as my breathlesness is getting worse.

Has anyone else been asked not to use ventolin as it can cause heart problems.

[foxie7777]

Ventolin does make your heart beat stronger and harder. I believe its a side effect.

Long term solution look at Buteyko. His breathing exercises helped my asthma. I was bad, now I am free and hardly take medication. Its a natural way to alleviate symptoms

youtube.com/watch?v=tKaUEVn...(Not working as expected?)

Also cows milk is one to avoid!!

[Dionysius1662 in reply to foxie7777]

Thankyou for this advice I will try this.

I had no idea ventolin was bad for you, although my doctor told me my cpod nurse said he was wrong.

Also cows milk!!!

What should one drink, I drink a lot of milk, always drinking it, and cows milk.

I did once try almond milk but did not like the taste.

Helpful advice on what milk to drink would be appreciated.

Thankyou for your help.

[gwenvilla50 in reply to Dionysius1662]

Coconut milk is good and anti imflammatory. I use it a lot. But the Innocent make because it's purer without added sugar. Liz

[Dionysius1662 in reply to gwenvilla50]

Thanks for this Liz. I will try coconut milk and have a look for Innocent, many thanks. Myra

[gwenvilla50 in reply to Dionysius1662]

Anything dairy can cause a mucus build up. Cheese and yogurt not good either. Long ago took me years to find this out. Medics not always good regarding this sort of information. Good luck Myra. Liz

[Dionysius1662 in reply to foxie7777]

I have watched this Buteyko video, it makes good sense and I will try my best to do these excercises.

Also trying milk other than dairy, I wonder why dairy is not good for you though.

Thanks for your help.

[Poobah]

There's definitely a move towards using less Ventolin because of the side effects on the heart. Moderate use is suggested as no more than one inhaler a month.

I tried giving up cows milk and used soya milk only to discover I was allergic to soya - crippling asthma was the result. So now back on cows milk and OK as I use it and other dairy occasionally. But have to ensure I get plenty of calcium in my diet through veggies.

Are you on other long acting inhalers as well as the Ventolin?

[Dionysius1662 in reply to Poobah]

Hi there, thank you for replying, I use Qvar 50 inhaler twice a day, Spiriva once a day, Ventolin should be my emergency inhaler, but I had such a bad chest infection christmas I have been using it regularly ever since, I am going to see the COPD nurse next Monday to ask her advice.

I have just tried soya milk but do not like it.

I have bought coconut milk and will try that next.

I do eat plenty of veggies and salad's.

xx

[Poobah in reply to Dionysius1662]

Interesting that you're not on a steroid/long acting bronchidilator combination inhaler as this may bring down your Ventolin use.

Qvar is just steroid. Spiriva is primarily for treatment of COPD but is now used to treat asthma once a combination inhaler is part of the medication plan.

Ventolin is a quick acting bronchidilator but only gives temporary relief. The long acting bronchidilator acts for up to 12 hours and is usually taken with steroids.

I've just started Fostair and using my Ventolin less.

I have been on Symbicourt (another combination inhaler) but it never really tackled my asthma well enough.

Everyone is different and it may take several tries getting the right combination of meds right for you.

I hope you can talk to your nurse about trying additional treatment. Good luck.

[Dionysius1662 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you for your help, I see the nurse Monday afternoon, I am nervous to try something new as I take a lot of medication and things clash.

I have tried Fostair, early last year, but it made me feel quite poorly and they said to stop using it. To go back to what I have been using so I just carry on.

But perhaps the time has come to try something else.

I will see how I get on Monday.

Thankyou again.

[Poobah in reply to Dionysius1662]

I can understand your concerns - I'm just the same, always sceptical about new meds, especially side effects. I didn't have any side effects with Symbicourt but it's early days with Fostair.

My asthma nurse has been monitoring my experience with Fostair and so it's given me confidence to try it.

I do hope you find a solution that suits you. All the best.

[Dionysius1662 in reply to Poobah]

Many thanks to you, all these things are not easy.

Myraxx