Lactose allergy

[Jock-salmon]

I was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago after a flu virus. I had it as a child. I have been prescribed a number of different inhalers at different doses, none especially effective. I am also prescribed Cetirizine daily. I was tested as allergic to lactose and household dust. All the inhalers I have been prescribed contain lactose. Does anyone have any experience of similar / suggestions for possible solutions / knowledge of lactose-free alternatives.

[Troilus]

Maybe the best course of action would be to ask your pharmacist. Then when you talk to your GP you know what to request.

[Jock-salmon in reply to Troilus]

My GP suggested I post here! Pharmacy is allowing 1 person at a time urgent requests only. From what I can make out, all inhalers cyrrently available in UK, at least, use lactose. Unless anyone on here has come across a similar issue and found a solution.

[Troilus in reply to Jock-salmon]

I think the best thing to do then would be to ring the asthma nurses on asthma U.K. If anyone would know they will.

[Jock-salmon in reply to Troilus]

Thank you. I will try them again. They are experiencin

[Jock-salmon in reply to Jock-salmon]

Experiencing high demand right now

[Hidden]

Hi there. I am lactose intolerant too. I use symbicort and spirivamat. Also blue for rescue. I take montelucast at night.

I have not found that any of these adversely affect my stomach. However, when prescribed prednisolone I have to get the soluble as the normal tablets give me a very bad stomach.

These are tricky times, it is very important to keep your asthma stabilised. I really hope you find an inhaler that works for you. Good luck, stay well x

[Jock-salmon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. This is helpful. I will discuss this with the respiratory nurse.

[Poobah]

I take it you're on dry powder inhalers? I've Googled alternatives but lactose protein is necessary to carry the meds, unfortunately.

Are you unable to tolerate wet aerosol inhalers? If you're not aspirin sensitive then you should be able to use aerosol inhalers.

I came across an advice piece by Hillingdon Hospitals that suggested that some were only allergic to lactose if digested. Others had a more severe allergy so had to take claratin antihistamine to counteract lactose in meds.

[Jock-salmon in reply to Poobah]

Thank you for your help. I take cetirizine daily. I have previously had an ulcer so this may be why this hasn't been tried. I will mention this when I talk to respiratory nurse.

[Jock-salmon]

Thanks for all the helpful and informative comments. I had a full discussion with my GP, he also has asthma. I am on 5 days prednisolone and closely monitoring peakflows.