Does my dad need a blue inhaler?

[Unfocusedarrow]

Hi, just looking for a bit of info I am a bit concerned about my dad he is in his 70’s and a bit complacent when it comes to health.

He has asthma (though he is not sure if it’s asthma or chronic bronchitis) was diagnosed in his 40’s. I remember he used to have a brown inhaler and a blue one, but these days he uses this (flutiform) daily ibb.co/j3Kp76G

He used to have quite a bit of coughing and chest tightness which seems to have calmed down in recent years, not sure if its because he changed to this new inhaler I posted. Though it didn’t really stop him doing everyday stuff he worked as a postman and went on long dog walks. He has never had any hospital admissions. He missed his last asthma clinic checkup as he couldn’t be bothered going.

My concern is he doesn’t seem to have a blue reliever inhaler anymore. I asked him and he said he used to but doesn’t need one anymore. I thought that everyone with asthma needed one in case though… I am wondering with the flutiform inhaler I posted does he need a blue inhaler too?

Also does the flutiform inhaler mean he has a more moderate case of asthma?

He also has mild nasal polyps which he uses nasonex for as needed.

[GintyFerguson]

Maybe take him for a review ? He has a steroid inhaler . I have asthma and bronchiectasis and use a steroid inhaler but very rarely need blue (ventolin) inhaler. However , I always keep a couple around in case I need them. At the end of the day if your dad is happy with what he is doing there isn't much you can do unless he would agree to go with you for an asthma review for your peace of mind.

[Superzob]

I’ve looked this up and it seems that Flutiform can’t be used as part of a MART system, ie it is a preventer which does not function as a reliever. Consequently, it would seem appropriate to have a reliever as well, so your father might ask for a blue inhaler to have available for emergencies.

[Loveducks]

Hi, the blue inhaler doesn't work for me. Unfortunately I am constantly on steroid tablets but was given Flutiform to use along side them. When I have a severe asthma attack due usually to an allergic reaction, I was told I can take my Flutiform which thankfully has worked everytime. It seems the rules have changed a bit and different inhalers do different things. I am also under the Royal Brompton Lung Hospital who manage my asthma and Flutiform has been one of the best inhalers after trying many that actually works for me. The only thing I will say though, it does give me a bit of depression which took a while to make the connection.

I hope this puts your mind at ease. If your dad isn't struggling with breathing then his Flutiform is keeping everything under control and if an attack does happen he is allowed to take extra Flutiform. It's so nice though that he has you to keep an eye on him x

[Homely2 Administrator]

I would encourage him to go for an asthma review, and perhaps ask him if you can accompany him, for your piece of mind, he can always say, no.

The blue inhaler is very useful to have as a form of insurance.

[Unfocusedarrow]

thanks for all your replies

Although there seems to be mixed replies in whether flutiform can be used as a reliever, he seems to be doing ok on it.

Does flutiform tend to be for moderate/severe asthma? I think he uses it twice per day ( think).

He won’t go for a review no chance of that, he’l only go if his symptoms worsen he learns the hard way with everything.

[Homely2 Administrator in reply to Unfocusedarrow]

The preventers, which are also used as relievers are the so called MART inhalers.

So I am on fostair 100, which as well as being a preventer, is also licensed to be prescribed as a MART inhaler, so I can use it as a preventer and a reliever.

In theory that allows me not to need my blue inhaler, however my consultants and asthma nurses, also keep me on blue as I have poor control of my asthma. A lot of asthmatics who are on a MART inhaler like to have the blue as a back up.

Flutiform as far as I can see is not licensed in the UK as a MART inhaler, why, I do not know. However consultants do not always follow licensing, as we are all so different, and flutiform 125 does contain formetorol which provides rapid relief.

The only way for you to truly understand your fathers treatment is for him to attend a meds review, and take you with him. However you can broaden your knowledge by ringing the asthma UK helpline on 0300 2225800, they are very friendly, office hours.

In terms of the severity of your father's asthma, flutiform is prescribed as a 50, 125 and 250, so your father being on 125 gives you an idea of where he is on the scale.

Just be careful re your father not attending a meds review, in my GP surgery it is basically compulsory.

Asthma is scary at times so do your best to make your father attend a meds review.

[Unfocusedarrow in reply to Homely2]

Thanks, I’m well aware the importance of going for reviews but he just won’t, I learned years ago that you can’t make someone do something it has to come from them.

I see so it’s possible that it acts as a reliever too. I mean there’s no immediate concern as he has managed for years but then that’s when people think they are ok and get overconfident and in his case I was worried about him not being prepared. As I said he learns everything the hard way, actually learn is the wrong word as even after negative events he doesn’t learn he repeats his behaviours. I’l prob give that asthma line a call thanks!!

[Mandevilla in reply to Unfocusedarrow]

Have you tried pitching it as "Dad, I worry about you a lot and it would give me so much peace of mind if you would go for your asthma review"? Might be worth a try.