Rescue inhaler

[stryker1]

I have a rescue inhaler and when my copd acts up I have a hard time inhaling the medication anyone have any suggestions?

[stone-UK]

Hi

Try using with a spacer, available from you GP.

You can either take one slow inhalation keeping below the whistle sound. Or tidal breathing, four normal chest breaths will empty the chamber.

[cales in reply to stone-UK]

Great minds and all that Stone

[cales]

I have often wondered about this too when your having difficulty breathing be able to manage a deep inhale is nigh on impossible the ventolin I take through a spacer but the other two inhalers I have to take are both dry powder capsules so cant put them htrough a spacer , if your rescue inhaler is not dry powder you could always try doing through a spacer as that just requires gentle breathing in and out

Cales xx

[stryker1 in reply to cales]

Thanks I will try that

[Hidden]

This link will take you to the Asthma UK page on inhaler information - it is excellent! Scroll down to the bottom and you should find many inhaler videos including how to use your inhaler with a small spacer, or large spacer etc. These videos are highly regarded by respiratory nurses, therapists and apply equally to COPD patients:

asthma.org.uk/advice/inhale...

[Doggie123-UK in reply to Hidden]

Can you buy the spacers over the counter or do you need to see your GP

[Hidden in reply to Doggie123-UK]

Either. You can ask your GP for a 'script or just buy one. I bought mine - one large and one small - I mostly use the large one especially when I have an exacerbation - I can't remember exact price but were between aprox £8-£10. Ideally all GP's /resp.nurses should ensure you have a spacer and are shown how to use it when you are first prescribed the inhaler - but this rarely happens in reality.

[Doggie123-UK in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, because of the amount of medication I am taking at the moment I always feel guilty asking for a script for something I can buy over the counter

[Hidden in reply to Doggie123-UK]

Well you should never feel guilty about it really, though I do tend to buy things that I know I could get on prescription - partly because it's a whole lot quicker than waiting for GP appointments etc.

[undine]

I could not get on at all with my rescue inhaler which was a canister one you had to shake before use etc. always seemed to inhale it into the top of my mouth or whatever but never into my lungs just could not get on with it so was given a turbohaler which is a bullet shaped tube you just twist the bottom for a dose put to lips and inhale marvelous and much easier than fiddling with spacers etc. not sure if suitable for you but maybe worth asking - good luck xx

[lKeith]

stryker1

Hi, have you tried an earo chamber, the inhaler fires the med into you mouth which can be a bit unpleasant, the chamber means you can inhale it slower. They are available from your GP

IKeith