After recently being diagnosed with mild COPD, advice would be appreciated.
I had struggled with my coughing and phleghm for the last 8 months, I am an ex smoker after quitting 17 years ago and had no issues up to that point. At the initial time they thought I may be asthamatic so for the last 8 months I had been presribed and using the brown preventor beclometasone inhaler and the standard salbutamol if needed (which I didnt feel the need to use) Since I was getting constant phlegm I assumed I was getting infection after infection up until being told it was mild COPD. The consultant has now changed my beclometasone inhaler and prescribed Fostair and Spriva, I have only been taken them for about a week but I feel worse, out of breath and last night I had a panic attack feeling I could not breath it was awful. I am wondering should I ask my consultant can I go back on the original inhalors or has he prescribed the news ones so not further damage is done?
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OWhynow
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Hi 👋, I cant help much but I do wonder if you might have an infection or exacerbation brewing 🤔 . The other thing is that new inhalers can take up to 3 weeks to kick in, have a thorough read of the leaflet to check. It may mean you need ventolin equivalent until the Fostair kicks in. You could try the helpline tomorrow 0300 222 5800, 9.15 - 5pm Mon to Fri. Some professional advice could help you through the weekend. Good luck
if you are only recently diagnosed with COPD have you been offered a pulmonary rehab course, it not ask for one. These are physio lead and you can learn a lot about breathing inhalers etc. normally in a friendly informal setting, gentle exercise is also included. The course should help you understand and control your breathing and ultimately reduce panic attacks
Salbutamol isn't made anymore. Now the blue inhaler is Salamol. It's really probably about the same though. I use it every time i have to get up and do anything.
I have bronchiectasis /asthma and I have a fostairnexthaler. It took a couple of weeks before I felt the benefit. Has been the best inhaler for me so far x
Sorry to hear that. First of all try not to panic. Just tell yourself it will be OK. Breath deeply. I take Sabutamol (blue), Spiriva, and Symbicort. My doctor told me to take the Sabutamol first as it helps open up the airways for the others. I take Sabutamol as needed and if I know I am going to be doing something physical I take it before I start that task, Make sure you inhale the meds deeply. Make sure you do breathing exercises. Also you might be still having an exacerbation. I pretty much had a lung infection from February 2022 through November 2022. IT was so bad at points that I purchased a book on assisted suicide (in Canada) They put me on IVIG treatment and it is like I am a new person. Once every 28 days off to the hospital for this amazing treatment. Broach that subject with your physician if you keep having exacerbations/infections
Sounds as if you need a serious diagnosis. I have both emphysema (severe) and bronchiectasis (moderate) but both were diagnosed by lung biopsy so very precise.
If you are bringing up mucus you should take a look at the colour - the darker it is the more likely you have an infection and should get it checked. Your COPD team should provide (already have done so) a pot and pre-completed carry bag to go to the lab. If not request one.
If you have no problem brining up mucus then I doubt you have bronchiectasis.
You mention a consultant - so it sounds as if you have been referred by your GP already? If not you should be.
I have COPD and asthma and Salmol (blue inhaler) and Fostair work well for me. You may need antibiotics and steroids if you have infection. As suggested elsewhere take blue inhaler first to open airways then the Fostair. Sleeping on elevated pillows helps breathing. Ask doc to check for infection
OWhynow, hello good to meet you. sometimes when inhalers are changed you can get a flare up of your COPD symptoms. I take spirava and have done for a long time it does stop the symptoms of the COPD. I would suggest you contact the Gp and discuss your own feelings on the inhalers you are taking. We are all different. I have had the paramedics out a few times following change of inhaler, the hospital even suggested I stick to the ones that work for me and wrote to the GP. So one drug appears on my prescription as advised by local hospital. I have never been to the hospital out patients consultants for my COPD since the confirmation diagnosis was made in2012 but all follow up has been done by my GP practice. I do not have clear chest Xrays but manage to control my symptoms with three inhalers most of the time. I went to Glenfield Hospital in Leicester who have a specialist heart & lung clinic. Good luck with trying to manage your early COPD and try your best to avoid infections & bugs.
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xx
Explain my anxiety better 
Bronchiectasis Question
Breathless with no cough
Hi I am new to this site and have recently been diagnosed with COPD
