Doc has told me to stop Pulmucort after 20yrs as now have mild emphysema. Only have Ventolin to use. Is this ok.

[miren]

I have been taking Pulmicort and Ventolin for asthma for over 20 yrs. Have recently been diagnosed with Mild Emphysema and doc has taken me off Pulmicort. I now only have Ventolin and no other medication. Is this ok ? Grateful for advice.

[chrissie53]

Hi Miren,,i think the best advice is to ring the BLF helpline and talk to one of the nurses,,the can tell you everything you need to know,

blf..03000 030 555

[miren in reply to chrissie53]

Thank you so much for responding. I am very grateful.

[caroleoctober]

How does he know you have emphysema, have you had an xray or ct scan these are the only way they really know. I have emphysema, now severe but have had 2 other inhalers since I was diagnosed 12 years ago....spiriva which I take one puff a day and symbicort which is 2 puffs twice a day which are preventers, also salbutamol which is a reliever and is taken when needed for the breathlessness. The BLF helpline will answer any question and tell you what to ask when you see your gp or respitarory nurse. Keep well and avoid infections, eat healthily and excersise and you can live a long and full life especially if your glass is always half full..... never half empty!

Carole x

[miren in reply to caroleoctober]

Thank you for your reply. I had an xray which showed emphysema and did a spirometry test. I feel as if I should have a preventative like Pulmcort as well as Ventolin but he thinks i only require Ventolin. Mmmmmmm

[O2Trees]

You dont say how you are feeling with the loss of the pulmicort Miren. Im surprised your doc has taken you off it. Generally speaking we need at least as much medication as we were taking to manage our condition if we progress from asthma to copd, and it could need changing. What medication works to manage our condition seems to be very personal to each individual. As suggested above (with other good advice) important to call up the BLF helpline. good luck!

[miren]

Im feeling not too bad. Have taken Ventolin about twice a day. Losing the Pulmicort has made me lose confidence in myself and keep worrying i will have an attack. Am i being silly ?

[sassy59]

You are not being silly and should maybe phone BLF helpline to help clarify a few things. Hope all goes well for you and do keep in touch. xxx

[miren in reply to sassy59]

Thank you so much and i will phone the BLF helpline. Its great to be in touch with people who understand x