Unable to use Inhaler in front of people

[RockieAerochamber]

I know my issue might sound silly to you but I am having great difficulty to do it.

I am asthmatic and I will have symptoms almost everyday. I am able to use my Inhaler at home inside my own room without difficulty. But once, I need to step out of the house to run some errands or to go to work, I am afraid of having symptoms. Because I am afraid to use my Inhaler in front of people. I feel very very weird and embarrassed to pluck out my Inhaler from my bag and to put into my mouth right in front of people. Even during those times when I will need to show the pharmacist and my doctor how I use my inhaler, so that they can check my Inhaler technique, I am UNABLE to do it as well. I just cannot use it in front of people and of course, hiding inside the toilet or bathroom is totally NO WAY, since there is a higher chance of getting Covid-19 inside a toilet.

I am trying to wait until there is no one around before I use my Inhaler and I will always end up at the doctor's office needing more Inhalers and medications because of my stupidity and embarrassment. How do I get around the embarrassment?

Please give me some constructive suggestions and not scolding me silly, idiot or some rude name callings. Thank you.

[Troilus]

You are not silly Rockie. I still feel self conscious taking my inhaler in front of people. I used to take one inhalation of blue before went out, but stopped that as nine times out of ten I am ok.

When I have needed my blue inhaler while out and about I take it direct, not bothering with my spacer, although I do have one in my bag, just in case. I have found that people don’t take a blind bit of notice. No looks, nothing.

I guess people using inhalers in public is more commonplace than we realise.

And when you think about it, the inhaler is only in your mouth for a second.

All I can suggest, is that if you need it, take it. You will be pleasantly surprised when no-one bats an eyelid.

And, the more you do it, the more comfortable you will feel about it.

[Blue-Breeze]

Hi Rockie I'm trying to read your post from another angle. The fear of having an attack and needing to use your inhaler needs to be dealt with. Anxiety alone will cause the attack. Using a inhaler in public I get that, but needing to I Just have had to by turning my back on people. Now that's an easy answer. You maybe need to see if you can speak to someone who can help with just how anxious you get. The GP asthma nurse or phone the asthma UK to see if they can give you some coping strategies.

I must admit I don't like to show anyone my technique face to face either.

[Luwoyes]

Smokers are rarely ashamed to take their poisons; cigarette in the presence of people neither are most of us are ashamed to take alcohol in public. These are killers

Your inhaler is a life safer.

Be free and proud to use .

That was advise my doctor gave me about 12 years ago when I had my first prescription of the blue and I am never ashamed to use it anywhere, in church, on golf course or meetings .

[Poobah]

If ever I've gone out for the day and forgotten my inhaler, the anxiety of being without it is horrible as I know how vulnerable I am without access to it. I suspect that pales into insignificance compared to your experiences.

As your anxiety is overriding your medical needs it is definitely a matter to be discussed with your doctor who can refer you for appropriate treatment, whether that's counselling or another therapy. You won't be the first patient that your doctor has seen with social anxiety and they will be only to happy to help.

[2Retrievers]

I used to be like you are now! Exactly the same. Please note 'I used to be like you'. Granted this was more than 40 years ago and like you I waited till there were no onlookers! But this caused untold problems as sometimes I left it almost too late and by then steroids etc was necessary.

I had to get over it - and I did! At this stage more and more people are using inhalers so the general public are more used to this scenario. You need to make a decision - it's either using your inhaler in time and preventing a severe attack or 'pretending you are fine'. Your decision!

Good luck

[MissNyxiie]

Hi, I have spent years being conscious of using my inhaler in public, especially in crowded places. It does take a while to get used to the fact that sometimes the need for it is greater than being judged by others. I have found that if I have the smaller type of blue inhaler I can cover it with my hoodie or coat sleeve to use it. Bad I know, but I could take it. I think it's worth talking to your gp or the asthma nurses see if they can help. Hope you figure it out!

[Sugar246]

Please don't be embarrassed. I was like that before so scared to use my inhalers in public until one day I couldn't breathe properly. I said to myself never again would I do that. Now I used my inhaler on the train. In fact anywhere because it is my life and my inhalers can saved me from a potential life threatening attack.

Also I realised that no one really is looking at you and if they do it is just out of a matter of concern.

[RockieAerochamber]

Thank You everyone for your kind responses.

I will need to discuss about my issue with my doctor and most likely ask him to refer me to a counselling therapist. I will need someone to guide me through living past my embarrassment and foolishness.

[Willow7733]

I have the same problem. There is no way I will take my inhaler in public. I will in the car, or off in another room. Never in front of people.

[RockieAerochamber]

@Willow7733, what is your reason for it? Embarrassment or feeling self conscious or ?