Using an Inhaler with cardio issues

[shopman]

As a few will know I have had Cardio problems since 1997, fixed with quad CABG and later stents fitted. Had several issues with breathlessness and diagnosed with HF. All of these quite well managed these days.

Earlier this year just before everything kicked off I had had more breathing issues and had a spirometry test etc. Turned out I had now developed both Asthma & COPD. I was issued with both a Seebri Breezhaler & a Clenil Modulite inhaler.

Had to stop the Seebri because the powder irritated my throat somewhat but continued with the Clenil up to a couple of months ago. The Clenil gave me terrible oral thrush and no manner of cleaning teeth, mouthwash etc would relieve it. Last week however I had an episode outside during windy/cold weather that set it all off again.

They have now suggested I try a Ventolin inhaler but reading the leaflet gives me cause for concern and wonder if anyone else here has managed to get along with it.

[peachy10]

What gives you concern about the ventolin? I have asthma and bronchiectasis and have had a ventolin accuhaler for years. I don't have a problem with it.

[shopman in reply to peachy10]

Thank you for your reply but it is the PIL that gives me cause for concern as it states:

"Warnings and precautions

1 - Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking Ventolin Evohaler if: your asthma is active (for example you have frequent symptoms or flare ups or limited physical ability). Your doctor may start or increase a medicine to control your asthma such as an inhaled corticosteroid.

2 - you have high blood pressure

3 - you have an overactive thyroid gland

4 - you have a history of heart problems such as an irregular or fast heartbeat or angina.

5 - you are taking xanthine derivatives (such as theophylline) or steroids to treat asthma.

6 - you are taking water tablets (diuretics), sometimes used to treat high blood pressure or a heart condition."

Seeing as 2, 3, 4 & 6 are applicable to me & the Dr tells me to let them know how I get on with it does not fill me with a great deal of confidence.

[peachy10 in reply to shopman]

I'm sure it will be fine. If you take too much ventolin, it can make your heart race but I'm sure you GP will be aware of this and consider the medicine to be less risk than not taking it and having an asthma attack. Presumably 2,3 and 4 are controlled. I have furosemide too and have never had a problem with taking both. But maybe ask you GP or pharmacist if you are concerned.

[shopman in reply to peachy10]

Thank you for this gives me a little more confidence should I need to take it. We have decided to be on the safe side to make sure there is another family member present to be on the safe side.

I don't have a great deal of confidence in our GP as they did a great job of trying to kill my other half off. Fortunately I saw what was happening and sought immediate help for her - she ended up having life saving emergency surgery & still the GP does not see what they had done wrong.

[peachy10 in reply to shopman]

My word, how awful. Unfortunately some GP's are pretty useless. I had to beg my old one to test my heart as they just kept giving me antibiotics and steroids for asthma and bronchiectasis even though I kept telling her it wasn't my lungs and I felt like I was drowning. Ended up being rushed to hospital with lungs full of fluid and dx with heart failure and DCM! Sensible to have someone with you the first time if you are worried, just make sure you sit quietly (which you will probably want to do anyway if you are short of breath :)), and have a warm drink. You shouldn't feel any heart problems but it may feel more 'racy' through anxiety if you are worried about taking the ventolin. Good luck, let us know how you get on if you do need to take it. 🙂

[Qualipop]

The throat irritation is usually down to exactly how you use it. If I spray upwards my throat is terrible. Ask for a nurse to show you just how to use it. A lot of people get it just slightly wrong. You shoudl have been shown precisely how to hold any inhaler when it was first prescribed. There are also different types that suit some people better.

[EMBoy]

I've just seen your post and even though it was a few days ago, I felt I had to reply. I have had asthma treatment since my mid 20's. It started off with Ventolin and Becotide and this combination lasted for about 20 years until I developed central serous retinopathy (CSR)and had to stop taking the Becotide. CSR is caused by steroids like Becotide, so I can no longer take them. Clenil contains the same drug as Becotide. As I was a smoker, I have also developed COPD and am now treated with Formoterol which is a long acting bronchodilator that acts in the same way as Ventolin. I also have Ventolin for use in emergency.

15 months ago I was diagnosed with heart block and had a pacemaker fitted. In addition to the heart block, I get occasional episodes of atrial flutter and tend to run a slightly high heart rate. I am sure these are caused by the bronchodilators but my cardiologist does not seem to think they are a problem.

I am happy to continue with them as my breathing is much better than with the Ventolin/Becotide combo.

I haven't tried Seebri so can't comment on it.

If you are having problems, it's worth talking to respiratory specialist as there is quite a variety of drugs available for asthma & COPD.

Best Wishes.

[shopman in reply to EMBoy]

Thank you for your response.