Confused

[teresa297]

Hi,

Could someone explain the purpose of inhalers? I have COPD and am constantly breathless whether I use an inhaler or not. I have tried so many different ones and have not noticed any difference in my breathing with any of them. The only thing I have ever noticed is that two I have tried caused me chest pains.

Any advice is welcomed

[Katinka46]

We can’t really comment on your experience as we are not doctors. I get no relief from inhalers but I do not have COPD. You will have to tackle your doctors about the matter.Kx

[CDPO16]

Inhalers are intended to ease breathlessness and some to keep inflammation under control. We all respond differently to the numerous ones on the market and I went through a lot before I found a regime that helped me. As Katinka said you really need to discuss this with your doctor or respiratory nurse.

[teresa297 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks for your response I’ve spoken to GP I’ve never noticed any improvement but it seems I’ll have to live with it

[knitter]

I had a consultation today with a clinical pharmacist , but I have asthma and COPD .She explained some of the different inhalers .

Check out the BLF website for information , or contact the BLF helpline open to UK residents during office hours on 03000 030 555

Best wishes .

[teresa297 in reply to knitter]

Thanks I have tried that no one ever seems to have the answer I’ve tried so many inhalers over the years and not noticed any change in my breathing I have also spoken to a nurse at BLF

[Abilify07 in reply to teresa297]

Hi teresa297I’m only 5 months since getting COPD after lifetime of asthma

I’m now on trimbow and ventolin with a backup of prednisone therapy it works for me

Some days are good some are pretty shite especially if it rains

Try keeping a diet plan (diets and allergies are part of this process) and always write down what medication your taking time of day and how your feeling at the time every time every day

Take it slowly and you’ll see which works for you don’t forget Drs are trying they’re best and it’s you who are the focus of this regimen so get involved

Keep it real

Dale

Ps keep reading this blog

[ck101]

Yep they’re not a silver bullet, personally I find the short acting ones effective. If I feel a bit off I take a puff of Atrovent. I also take Becotide to keep the inflammation down. I did find both Spiriva and Duaklir / Brimca opened up my airways but the side effects were harsh. Might give the Spiriva another shot if things worsen. What has been the most benefit however is getting my head & dysfunctional breathing sorted and excercising.

[teresa297 in reply to ck101]

Thanks for your reply yes I think I’ll keep up the exercise even though it is quite minimal

[peege]

It's vital to take an inhaler correctly. I thought I was for over 3 years. I wasn't. Asthma was not controlled at all consequently I got pretty ill. We aren't doctors or medics here. If you're in the uk you could try the helpline 03000 030555 office hours for qualified advice.

Also, check a video for your particular inhalers. Try youtube

[B0xermad]

Hi I understood that they open your airway enough to get enough air in for the reliever(ventolin) and the preventer helps the breathing and cough keep under control I Currently have a 22 hour type but when a flare up occurs they are not so effective and give me palpitations

[teresa297 in reply to B0xermad]

My daughter in law use to work where they did trials for various things and she could feel her lungs open up after trying an inhaler I have never felt this maybe you can only feel it if you have healthy lungs

[B0xermad in reply to teresa297]

I have copd asthma and bronchiectasis but have tried without them and felt I needed to use them otherwise I'm breathless

[Spanielblue]

I have tried different types of inhalers but none of them have helped me with my bronchiectasis. Some months ago I was sent for a lung function test where an inhaler was used to see whether my breathing was improved by using one. I was asked to sit outside for awhile and then called in again to be re-tested to find out whether the inhaler had made a difference. It hadn't at all so I was rather pleased because I knew then it had nothing to do with me not using them properly. I cope with my breathing problems by just resting awhile and then continuing with whatever I was doing. When I start to get breathless when walking up hills or inclines I just stop and stand still for a few moments and then off I go again.

[Patk1]

Have u tried using a spacer with puffers,to ensure u actually do get the full dose + has respiratory nurse or gp checked yr technique