Clenil modulite causing breathlessness

[akosime]

Hi, anyone got experience of feeling more breathless after using the clenil modulite? I have just started using it yesterday, and evening dose was when i felt the breathlessness like i cannot get in enough air when inhaling. Or maybe i am just anxious?

[Poobah]

You don't mention other asthma meds that you're on, specifically inhalers. It may be the inhaler propelent or the steroid. If you take other inhalers without problems then it may be this one particular inhaler.

If the side effects continue have a chat with your pharmacist who will understand all your meds and maybe able to suggest a resolution. Then you can discuss it with your GP.

A small percentage of people won't tolerate steroids or propellent. If you have a peak flow then you can take your PF before using the inhaler and again about 20 minutes afterwards - this will highlight any immediate negative reaction.

[akosime in reply to Poobah]

Thank you very much for the info, my asthma is not diagnosed in the UK that is why i am still quite new to all this. I was on a career break in my country when i developed adult onset asthma year 2013. I was coughing non-stop and have contracted pneumonia. After it was cleared with antibiotics the cough still lingered with wheezing and sob. I was given ventolin inhaler and after a while, seretide inhaler and montelukast tablets which i carried on taking for some time. I came back to the UK 2014 and soon after, the asthma symptoms came back when i again caught cough and cold symptoms which turned to chest infections. Again i was only given ventolin inhaler, antibiotics and prednisone tablets after a while. When all these cleared up, i was ok for a while. For years i did not have any asthma symptoms. I would occasionally but as it was not bothering me too much and can be relieved with cold tablets, i never bothered to have it checked.

Fast forward this year 4 wks ago i developed a new cough, not persistent and continuous, but dry. No fever. I stayed at home as per the national guidelines. 2nd wk i experienced shortness of breath. I am surprised as i am not coughing as much to be breathless. I put it all down to stress and anxiety. I have contacted my GP who prescribed me some antibiotics and ventolin inhaler. As the symptoms persisted into the 4th wk although not getting worst i phoned the clinic again and after taking my history (which i mentioned above) the nurse gave me the preventer inhaler saying to take ventolin inhaler in between as needed. I tested negative for the coronavirus. I don’t have any asthma action plan and neither did the nurse give me any discussion about PF.

Sorry for the long post.

[Poobah in reply to akosime]

This tree pollen season is particularly high and is definitely affecting alot of people. It may be one factor at play here.

But if you've had an infection then the lungs take a while to heal. The inflammation will be dampened by the steroid inhaler. But if your breathing directly after using the steroid inhaler persists I would definitely talk to your pharmacist then GP as there maybe an alternative way to treat your current symptoms.

[Poobah in reply to akosime]

I meant to say, "if your poor breathing symptoms persist immediately after taking your steroid inhaler...."

[Sunbright]

Yes it's only for a day or so and should settle down. When I upped my dosage recently this happened to me. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[akosime in reply to Sunbright]

I do hope so. I tried it again last night and i made myself busy after taking it so i will not focus too much on the breathing. I think it helped.

[GFloss]

I also experienced similar when I increased my Clenil Modulite dose from once to twice daily a month or so ago. Have you noticed any irritation of the throat or mouth at all? Have a good peek in a magnifying mirror if you have one - I spotted that I had the signs of oral thrush. My GP prescribed me some drops that treat this and suggested I start antihistamines for the hay fever season. I've kept going with the twice daily dose (still always using a spacer and gargling after use) and things seem better. It's worth speaking with a GP or asthma nurse if you keep noticing it.

[akosime]

I am glad Clenil works very well with you. I was trying to give it sometime to work before calling in the GP. I used it last night and didn’t sleep until 3 in the morning as i feel like i cannot inhale deeply and that gets me more anxious. I find using a mini fan blowing mild air into my face helps a lot.

Thanks for the reply.