Reliever Inhalers?

[Kirsty979]

I just recently got an official diagnosis of asthma, which was quite nice, because I now finally know what’s wrong with me!

But now, I’m starting to have doubts again. I recently got prescribed a reliever inhaler, and I use it when I get nasty wheezing, and it hasn’t been helping much! It feels like the wheezing gets a little better but never goes away, and I can’t tell if it’s just due to me not using it right, or it’s actually not working

I’m using the Ventolin one, does anyone have any experience with this also? It’s been making me pretty anxious.

[twinkly29]

Hi! This post might give you some background info on inhalers:

healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

and this one is a new to asthma summary (sorry it's long!)

healthunlocked.com/asthmauk...

in case they're useful.

The ventolin should relieve your symptoms for at least 4 hours - but are you also on a preventer inhaler and how long have you been on it? Ventolin alone won't sort out underlying inflammation so, if you're not on a preventer inhaler or have only just started using one, then you may well be symptomatic still.

[Kirsty979 in reply to twinkly29]

I’m currently on the max dose of clenil, too, and that’s been settling down most of the issues. My wheeze just comes back time to time when the temperature drops.I did only start on the preventer over the past month or two and I heard it can take a lot longer to fully work to really work for people. Maybe that’s a part of why it’s still difficult?

Thank you for the links!

[twinkly29 in reply to Kirsty979]

A couple of months is average for a preventer kicking in so could be that - but if it's an occasional thing rather than all the time (the wheeze) then it could just be a normal asthma thing - ie you come into contact with a trigger (in this case cold air or weather changes) so it can cause symptoms.

It might be worth a discussion with your GP or nurse to see what they think. They might want to tweak your preventer inhaler or they might say it's ok and to monitor things but at least they're then making the decision based on your symptoms, peak flow, triggers etc. Even well controlled asthma will be triggered at times, hence the need for a reliever inhaler, but it's working out whether it's happening too much if that makes sense.

[Celie1]

Hi, I find it useful to use a spacer when I take my inhalers, just to make sure I get the full dose. You can request one from the doc’s to see if it helps. 😊

[lakelover]

When I was diagnosed I was put on an aerosol inhaler & my peak flow dropped a lot. When they put me on a dry powder inhaler things improved considerably. The aerosols don't suit everyone.

[Kirsty979 in reply to lakelover]

I might have to look into that too, I don’t think my throat has been enjoying the aerosol thanks for the suggestion!

[AndyB1957]

KIrsty

as a new inhaler user, I would suggest you ask you doctor to prescribe an Aero Chamber Plus, this makes a noise when you are breathing in too quick, and so makes sure you are pulling the Salbutamol deeper into your lungs. This means it works better at opening the tubes and will stop that wheeze.

Hope this helps, I have been using inhaler for decades and I still occasionally use the Aero chamber as it lets me know I am still doing it right.

Andy