Gasping for breath

[grahamcooke]

Hello ya all. I have been suffering from asthma badly recently and with limited access to doctors, I have seen specialist privately.

I have new inhalers and some pills, but no medical person will believe me that

inhalers have never helped me with a bad attack. I used to use DO DO tablets or chesteasy ( same thing) but they are not made now unless anyone knows better.

or can advise me on substitutes. I feel deserted and spurned. the medics all think

that I probably dont inhale properly, and defend their inhalers to the hilt. I hope that someone can give me some ideas.

Graham

[Troilus]

Hi graham,I can’t imagine anything worse than not being able to get your breath and your inhaler not working.

When your consultant said you don’t inhale properly, was he referring to your inhaler technique or generally?

If it is your technique do you use a spacer? If not, it might be worth investing in one with a mask. You can then use normal breathing , as you would on a nebuliser. If you respond well to a nebuliser, this might work for you.

If it is the later, then there is something called dysfunction breathing - can’t help you much with that, but there are people on here who do know about it.

There is also something else - I’m a bit vague on this one too - vocal chord dysfunction or something similar. Might be worth a bit of a Google.

My mum took do do tablets many years ago and they worked very well for her. Aparantly they contained Theophylline which used to be prescribed a lot for asthma- it is quite an old drug - but it is still available on prescription.

Do you have telephone or an e consult facility with your doctor?

These are things you might want to explore and discuss with him.

[Poobah]

Preventer inhalers can take regular use and up to 8 weeks to become fully effective but they'renot designed to help an acute attack of asthma.

A rescue inhaler, like Ventolin, should give you relief for 4 hours. In an attack an asthma plan would give you clear instructions on how to use your Ventolin inhaler; usually 2 puffs, but 10 puffs can be taken in quick succession with at least 30 seconds between inhalations and shaking inhaler in-between puffs (to mix meds and propellant). If necessary, repeat after 10 minutes. But if this isn't working or making things worse, you have to call 999.

There are good vids on YouTube showing how to get the best out of your inhaler technique, whether you use a spacer or not.

If you do want treatment with Theophylline you will need a prescription from your doctor. You could ask for an appointment with the asthma nurse at your GP surgery who will review your asthma treatment, inhaler technique and listen to your concerns. They can also help you with a personalised asthma plan.

And if you're still in doubt, give one of the asthma nurses at Asthma UK a call. asthma.org.uk/about/contact/

[starveycat]

I have asthma also my vocal chords do not work correctly. Trouble is I cannot tell which is making me struggle to breathe unless I check my spirometers.It might be an idea to check with your doctor.

A doctor told me vocal chords do not impede your breathing but they do

Good luck

[Aquariel]

They ignore me as well because they don't know what to do. The consultant hides and suggests nothing. My inhalers only work 5% the best being Bricanyl.I've found that anything with preventer in it actually causes asthma and very sore lungs. I inhale steam. there is a condition where stomach acid causes breathlessness all.It will instantly improve for 2 minutes.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador in reply to Aquariel]

Hi Aquariel, I'm sorry to hear you're struggling - is a referral to a different consultant an option? It can make a difference! It may also be worth giving the asthma nurses a call: 0300 2225800 or WhatsApp [phone] Monday-Friday 0915-5pm as they can chat through things and perhaps suggest what some options might be for seeing someone else.

For others reading, please be aware steam inhalation can trigger asthma for some people -so be careful if you don't already know it's ok.