Do inhalers help for COPD

[teresa297]

Hi, I have COPD I believe it's moderate, I was diagnosed around 8 years ago after I had given up smoking, it was mild at that time. Since then I have tried numerous inhalers and have not found that any improve my breathing. Does anyone know if they are to help improve breathing, or are they to stop it from getting worse?

A couple of years ago I tried a couple of new ones and they made me feel worse and that is when I went from lid to moderate COPD, so I am reluctant to change inhalers again. I am now on Anora Elipta and Flextitde this was just changed from 125mg to 250mg. Does anyone get let breathless when using their inhalers?

I do not cough or have phlegm, never had an exacerbation, its just the breathlessness, I can not run or walk fast without my body feeling like it is shutting down.

I have another review coming up and the GP will ask if the new dose has improved my breathing and it hasn't made any difference but I feel so fed up of saying this for 8 years now I'm just going to lie and say yes it's helped.

[Spacecat1]

I tried different inhalers too. Eventually found one thY suited me ,( I think) only been on them 2 months trying Fostair and see breez. I use ventilin inhaler when needed. I did have nebuliser but dislike sprayY on my face.

Hopefully will find one that will suit you take care

[tomc]

I am on Trimbow, before that Fostair and Salbutamol.My aspiratory nurse at hospital said to me that I must use my spacer to get the full dose. I have one of the small spacers and it works very well even though I am severe Emphysema/Bronchiectasis and can`t touch my toes without running out of breath and coughing.

so, I would suggest You get a spacer from your GP and give it a go.

[teresa297 in reply to tomc]

Thanks I have a spacer

[Bluenotes]

I have never found an inhaler that I can say improves my breathing , but have tried some that make it worse . I use fostair which seems to keep it sort of stable, 🤗

[Jake25]

Hi teresaFrom what I know inhalers are just to open up your Airways, I don't think they make breathlessness better. I have moderate copd and get very breathless walking up inclines and I'm on Anoro like you. Most importantly with copd is exercising, are you exercising regularly as this strengthens your lung and heart muscles and gives you more staminer. There is no medication to cure breathlessness. The exercising is the most important key with copd. Have you had pulmonary rehabilitation? If not your GP can put you forward for this course which helps you to cope with breathlessness and breathing techniques and build muscle. I hope this information helps.... Jane 😊

[teresa297 in reply to Jake25]

Thanks for that I do try to do some exercise and I’m waiting for the pulmonary rehab

[P-i-n-k in reply to teresa297]

Hi I am very breathless despite inhalers but i haven't found one that's really helped . I am waiting to start pulmonary rehab.hoping for a miracle. Live in hope 🙏 x

[katieoxo60]

Hello teresa297, have to agree on Bluenotes reply in my case. We are all different so its worth trying all options better to aim for stable illness rather than a long term option that may not be best. i've just tried a new inhaler made me feel quite ill and increased coughing, but its so easy to use and has the number of doses left in large numbers on the outside of the casing . But it does not work for me. Hope you can get sorted as soon as possible to suit your need. Remeber its your expectations that have to be met.

[teresa297 in reply to katieoxo60]

Thanks but I’m not willing to try any more inhalers as they can end up making your condition worse so I guess I’ll stick with what I have

[Ergendl]

My singing teacher could hear the difference in my singing when I started using my inhalers, even though I didn't think they made a difference.

[hallentine47]

I use Ventolin when needed, Symbicort twice a day and Tiotropium bromide once a day and this has helped over the last couple of years.