Increasing intolerance to steroid inhalers

[sheffiemdsue]

I seem to be having an increasing intolerance to preventer inhalers. My asthma nurse in unhappy as I do have to take my Ventolin several times a day, although for me, as I've had asthma since I was about 5, it doesn't bother me. Anyway, I take a Montelukast tablet every night (no problem). I'm tried Fosfair which gave me palpitations, almost lost my voice, shakiness etc. The nurse has tried varying doses of Clenil Modulie. The last but one (about a month ago) was to increase this to 3 x 250mg twice a day). I had a really sore throat and felt really weak and just "off." I tried to reduce the amount I was taking but since then, I haven't been able to get back to the 2 x 250mg dose I was on before without getting the bad side effects.

On Friday the nurse suggested I try doing the 2 x 250mg dose again and now I am back to not feeling not at all well again (sore throat, sore mouth and just off). I've tried to go down to an old 200mg Clenil inhaler but I can't seem to tolerate even that. Of course, I'm needing more of the Ventolin now I'm taking less Clenil.

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? I seem to be going backwards and can't even tolerate what I was tolerating before. Is this just me?

Many thanks

[twinkly29]

Have you tried dry powder versions or only the ones you press?

[sheffiemdsue in reply to twinkly29]

Just the ones you press. As a kid I had one of those spinhalers but never since

[twinkly29 in reply to sheffiemdsue]

Some people find the dry powder versions easier to tolerate so might be worth asking nurse or GP if a different formulation of inhaler is available.

[lakelover]

I'm better on dry powder inhalers. The propellant in mdi's upsets my asthma which of course upsets me. I didn't get the problems you're getting but it could be that you're just reacting differently to them.

[mariyn]

I started to find Clenil and Ventolin ineffective about 5 years ago . Was switched to SIRDUPLA and improved enormously .I take Montelukast as well . I hardly ever need Ventolin now and no Clenin at all . Good luck Marilyn

[Poobah]

I'm on dry powder inhalers but have to be careful about sore throat and irritation caused by the powder. It feels as though I'm coming down with a chest infection. To counter this, I brush my teeth and gargle with mouthwash after inhaler use. If I still start a sore throat I take a zinc/Vit C lozenge.

My voice has been affected by inhalers and I accept that as the downside of asthma treatment.

Shakiness is harder to live with though but I get that if I take too much Ventolin rather than my Fostair.

It could be that you have a steroid sensitivity and, as such, you will have side effects whatever kind of steroid inhaler you have. If you think you may fall into this category then you will need to discuss alternatives with your doctor.