By the way!

[martin1945]

I have just started taking a regular dose of Atrovent HFA (along with my Symbicort) firth thing in the morning and I find that this really helps in reducing by breathlessness in the shower and sets me up for the rest of the day. I also take Spiriva after breakfast. I also take Atrovent and Symbicort at bedtime. I have found it very important to wait for 15 min after taking Atrovent before taking Symbicort and then another 15 mins before embarking on any activity (not to be confused with exercise). Stay well. Martin

[martin1945]

I feel a bit dyslexic this morning, either that or they have played around with my keyboard LOL.

[scrobbitty]

Excellent advice, Martin. It can take a bit of trial and effort to get the timing just right.

[Hidden]

Your keyboard is haunted, Martin or is it your nightcap!! I have the spiriva, seretide, salbutamol, before breakfast. What difference does it make when you take it. I should wait the stated time but want to get on with things. loveAnnie

[Hidden]

I'm glad your new regular dose has made a difference. Showering is one of the hardest things I do every day. I take ventolin then seretide 500 in the morning, then shower straight away. am beginning to wonder if I should try waiting 15 mins -shall try it tomorrow.

Anna

[Hidden]

Peeps, I must have a Ace respiratory nurse, she walked me through how and when to use all my inhalers, and even printed out my daily regime, giving me the timings in between each medication and when to take what..... a real star.

I'm pleased to hear your new regime is working for you too, Martin

[Hidden]

Hi is atrovent an inhaler or tablet ? Thank you Lynne.

[JayKew]

Atrovent is a nebuliser version of Spiriva rais..

There seems to have been a sea change in medical thinking over the last few years that nebulisers are not the way forward with treatment for lung disease and that regular inhalers should always be the preferred option for treatment.

Hence it's nigh on impossible nowadays to get a nebuliser on the NHS.

I was given mine by the respiratory sister at my local hospital a few years ago when I was going through a particularly bad time with my breathing and since the machine was not part of my GPs budget practise they will supply either Atrovent or Spiriva but always advise on Spiriva due to the escape of unused Atrovent from your nebuliser into the atmosphere.

The Spiriva takes 30 secs to administer whilst Atrovent probably takes 20 to 30 mins.

My rule of thumb is that if I am feeling quite groggy and listless I will sit and let my body "warm up" whilst I use the nebs otherwise it's a sharp intake of breath with the inhaler and get up and running.

Normally it's Spiriva.

Hope this is not conflicting advice.

Everyone have a good day!

John

[Hidden in reply to JayKew]

Atrovent is ipratropium bromide

Spiriva is tiotropium bromide

They are two different drugs.

[JayKew]

Atrovent is a nebuliser version of Spiriva rais..

There seems to have been a sea change in medical thinking over the last few years that nebulisers are not the way forward with treatment for lung disease and that regular inhalers should always be the preferred option for treatment.

Hence it's nigh on impossible nowadays to get a nebuliser on the NHS.

I was given mine by the respiratory sister at my local hospital a few years ago when I was going through a particularly bad time with my breathing and since the machine was not part of my GPs budget practise they will supply either Atrovent or Spiriva but always advise on Spiriva due to the escape of unused Atrovent from your nebuliser into the atmosphere.

The Spiriva takes 30 secs to administer whilst Atrovent probably takes 20 to 30 mins.

My rule of thumb is that if I am feeling quite groggy and listless I will sit and let my body "warm up" whilst I use the nebs otherwise it's a sharp intake of breath with the inhaler and get up and running.

Normally it's Spiriva.

Hope this is not conflicting advice.

Everyone have a good day!

John

[JayKew]

Oops double post.

My apologies.

I've just gone and retread Martins post and was quite surprised on the daily intake of Atrovent.

I know, well I thought I did lol! a lot about Atrovent and I am convinced that it is a once a day "fix".

It is quite a powerful bit of treatment.

Even when I have spent a week at a time in hospital I have never had Spiriva or Atrovent more than once a day.

I know I should mind my own business but maybe Martin you should have a quick chat with your doc about your usage levels.

Sorry to be an interfering busybody.

John

[Hidden]

Glad that is working for you martin. It does pay to listen to the professionals sometimes

[Hidden]

can I just ask for clarification - is atrovent a nebuliser you have twice per day sometimes ? thanks.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

When this drug was prescribed to me years ago it was intended to be used daily in place of salbutamol (ventolin), I was prescribed the inhaler, further reading:

medicines.org.uk/emc/search...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

thanks . x