Ventolin

I've been feeling that my ventolin isn't working like it should, have posted re this. Just opened a new one and read the insert (usually read one a year). Imagine my amazement when it says (remove the canister and wash the plastic once a week). I have always been instructed under no circumstances should I remove the canister and just wipe the mouth piece with a tissue. Could this be why ventolin hasn't been working for me and others! Simply blocked!

[soulboy118]

Do you use a spacer ? If not they help to deliver more of the drug to the targeted area , I know it's not much but hope this helps

[Blackbird6]

I always at least twice a week or when blocked wash it and leave to dry naturally.

Use a spacer if you dont have one but equally if you feel it's not working .

See you doc maybe a change of meds is on order seek advice .

Have a lovley day 💞💞

[Spacecat1]

I always if allowed swish hot through and give it a good shake and leave to dry and inhalers have a new lease of life. And I make sure my space has a clean as well.

[Spacecat1]

Yes I agree with soulboy that a spacer works well. It was only through respertory nursecwho was doing a annual check up and I mentioned to her that inhalers not working that she came up with spacer and it works well. I still give inhalers a swish through.

[2greys]

You should notice a difference when using a new one, if blockage has been a problem on the old one. If there has been no blockage or you cannot detect a difference using a new one then it is time to see your GP and see if you can try Bricanyl, the only substitute for Ventolin. It is a breath actuated powder inhaler (Turbohaler) so you need to have a good strong suck. There is a device that can measure the strength of your suck to see if you are suitable for a Tubohaler. I use this.

Although I don't use Ventolin, I do use Fostair 200/6 (metered dose inhaler) and I have to remove the canister to clean the body weekly with hot running water, give it a good shake and air dry. Looking into the mouthpiece I can see a buildup of a white crust around the venturi (nozzle), I also use a spacer and can see if the dose/mist has been reduced that way too.

[hypercat54]

I never clean mine!

[Izb1 in reply to hypercat54]

Ha! 😃😃😃😃😃 love it x

[Trisha1960]

Have you been changed to the CFfree ones, they work but don't feel as quick x

[Tugun in reply to Trisha1960]

Hi Trisha,

I'm from Australia where the CFC Free Ventolin was brought in many years ago. I found that it made my asthma worse. I put it down to the propellant and after moving on to the old medihaler and then when I couldn't get them - the Ventolin rotacaps (powdered form) the asthma went back to normal. I felt it must have been the new propellant which had caused me to have asthma.

[jackdup]

I agree with 2greys, if you check to be sure your ventolin isn’t plugged Bricanyl is worth a try if you are able to suck hard enough. I prefer it to Ventolin but everyone is different.

[Gladwyn in reply to jackdup]

My respiratory nurse is changing me from Ventolin and Trimbow to powder inhalers .... can’t remember the name .. beginning with an Ellegy or something. I am looking forward to getting them as my breathing is pretty dire and I’m hoping they will be an improvement. 🤸‍♀️⛹️‍♀️🏌️‍♀️🧘‍♂️

[jackdup in reply to Gladwyn]

I really hope they help your breathing, good luck.

[Gladwyn in reply to jackdup]

Thank you 😀