1st Annual Review

[Ayrshiregirl]

I've just had my first annual review having been diagnosed last year with borderline mild COPD. As there has been no change at all and I'm a fit and healthy non smoker the nurse suggested that I could stop using the brown preventative inhaler but I can't help thinking maybe the inhaler has stopped the COPD progressing. I do have a ventolin inhaler but fortunately never have the need to use it. I was diagnosed following an X-ray after having had a nasty chest infection. Any advice would be very much appreciated as to whether it you feel it might be wise to carry on with the brown inhaler as a precautionary measure or just wait and see how things go.

[Badbessie]

Obviously the fewer medications the better. Even though the dose is very small they still in most cases contain steroids which have their own side affects in the long term. I am moderate and I was quite happy to reduce my own by 50% and had no problems as such. As I saw it I could always start the full dose of the medication if the reduced dose did not suit me. Perhaps try a reduced dose first and see how you go. It's not written in stone that you cannot start the full dose if it does not work.

[sinclair61 in reply to Badbessie]

Hi

How did you go about reducing your inhaler? Over what period did you do it?

Thanks,

Sinclair

[O2Trees]

I agree - try reducing it. You don't say what symptoms it was given to you for. If those symptoms have cleared up then try reducing one puff for a week or several days and if you're ok then another until you're off altogether. Borderline copd is about the mildest copd you could have and (unless you have an asthma component as well as the copd) most with copd that mild would not need a steroid inhaler. Assuming you have no breathlessness then there is likely to be very little, if any, inflammation and I don't see how using the inhaler would prevent progression. Exercise and good diet are generally what is thought to slow progression. But if you want independent and reliable advice call the BLF helpline (03000 030 555 office hours) and talk to one of their nurses.

[hypercat54]

Hi the use of your inhalers doesn't affect the damage done to your lungs nor will it make any difference in the disease progression stopping it. Inhalers are used purely to help you breathe and if you don't need your brown one then don't use it. x

[Caspiana]

Hello Ayrshiregirl .

I think you have some excellent advice here, I just wanted to say I am so very pleased you are stable. 😊

Warm wishes to you,

Cas xx 🌸

[frances21]

I agree with everything that’s already been said. I find exercise and a salt pipe help keep me healthy - and avoiding being around people with colds or flu. Keep up the good work!

[soulsaver]

sinclair61 The brown inhaler Clenil dose is 100 mug, usually 2 inhalations in morning & again at night. How do you reduce it? One inhalation m&n is possible.

If you decide to reduce it further but wish to stay on it the cream inhaler is 50 mug instead.

Clenil Modulite is a corticosteroid in miniscule topical doses. Risks of side effects is small. Rinse mouth well after each inhalation.

It combats inflammation in the lungs.

[Superzob]

There is a lot of difference of opinion on this, and I would suggest the BLF for advice. I'm certainly a believer in taking as little medication as possible, but I have been told that my form of COPD (moderate/severe fixed small airways obstruction) does benefit from regular dual purpose inhaler treatment (I also have some asthma), and I have had no deterioration in 2 years (though this might be quite a short period in which to judge). Good that yours is stable and hope you get some definitive advice which keeps it that way.

[Sjf129903]

Like your thinking about the inhaler is the one you need I often wonder when my meds changed to

[Ayrshiregirl]

Thank you everyone for your kind thoughts and advice. As I am symptom free I have decided to reduce the doseage as suggested by half, see how it goes and then stop completely if all goes well. It's only 12 months since I was first diagnosed, I was absolutely terrified at what lay ahead but hopefully I can continue to manage it and it not manage me. Keep well everyone and once again thank you for your support x