Asthma inhalers: Hi, my 17 year old son has... - Care Community

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Asthma inhalers

Asthmum profile image
13 Replies

Hi, my 17 year old son has had asthma since was a baby but i have real trouble getting enough ventolin inhalers from GP. I asked for a spare but only ever get one.

He is a busy fit lad, goes to 6th form has a part time job, girlfriend, own car and plays football for team twice a week and goes to the gym.

Its not so much that he uses it a lot, i would just like to have some spare, so he can leave one at school and maybe leave one in his car.

Is it safe to buy them anywhere please?

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Asthmum profile image
Asthmum
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13 Replies

If he is using his inhalers regularly, they are not doing their job. Make him an appointment to see the asthma nurse at your surgery. There are other inhalers that will act long term. He should aim to be symptom free - ventolin is only meant for occasional use.

Asthmum profile image
Asthmum in reply to

Its very well controlled, but i would like him to have a spare as he is so busy and has so much on. I would be happy if he had it just in case. He is typical teenager and leaves bags at school/work/girlfriends etc.

Vonnieruth profile image
Vonnieruth in reply to Asthmum

I would ask for telephone consultation with doctor and explain I now get three lots of my eyrdrops at a time due to pour droplet from the bottle

Hi Asthmum,

Welcome to the Care Community. You're very welcome to join us, but just wanted to point out that within HealthUnlocked there are other groups which you might find more useful in coping with asthma. There's the Asthma UK Community Forum and the Living With Asthma group to name but two, and these might be able to give you more dedicated support.

But in general you shouldn't even try to buy extra inhalers. They should be available on prescription only so any you bought might lead to your wasting money and putting your son in danger by not getting what you paid for.

So do consult a GP at your surgery and put your concerns to him. If your son needs extra inhalers to keep in different locations, he/she might consider that's a legitimate reason for issuing a prescription for more, or may be able to come up with a more effective solution.

Good to hear from you and best wishes.

Asthmum profile image
Asthmum in reply to

Thank you but ive managed to buy one from my regular chemist today

in reply to Asthmum

That's marvellous Asthmum, I didn't even know you could do that. But I'd still go back to your GP and discuss, for safety's sake. Best wishes.

Asthmum profile image
Asthmum in reply to

He is perfectly well, thank you for the concern and advice but he is well controlled and rarely needs it but when he does its has always been left somewhere! I just wanted a spare

lKeith profile image
lKeith

Asthmum

Hi I had the same problem with my GP to get an increased supply. With the winter coming up you could tell your GP that winds, cold weather effect his overall health (which it does for me). He eventually relented, otherwise try the Asthma nurse they are often a little more sympathetic. The GP has obviously never had a bad bought so really doesn't have any idea how he feels. Lay off his activities a bit and tell him he suffers more.

I don't know if there are any on the web but India does make a lot of alternatives.

IKeith

Asthmum profile image
Asthmum in reply to lKeith

Thank you, its just for peace of mind. He is perfectly well and playing football tonight. He just needs a spare

lKeith profile image
lKeith in reply to Asthmum

Asthmum

Hi again, it seems you are really looking out for his benefit but do play down his activities. GP's rarely give for just in case, if he Needs it make out it is a necessity not a luxury. As one of the other member wrote it may be down to an allergy.

IKeith

Asthmum profile image
Asthmum in reply to lKeith

Weve been through it all over the years and hes had allergy tests done. I wasn’t complaining about his symptoms or the GP. Ive read that they are available without prescription now and just wanted advise on somewhere trusted to but a spare, was a bit dubious about some of the websites but my local chemist sold me one so all good.

Cann profile image
Cann

I was diagnosed with asthma for 6 years until my inhalers didn't work any longer. I got no joy from doctors so saw a naturopath. She told me to stop all dairy products and she was sure I wouldn't need inhalers again. I did and I don't. Could your son be allergic to dairy like I was?

Asthmum profile image
Asthmum in reply to Cann

Thank you. He rarely needs his reliever and im happy his asthma is well controlled just want the peace if mind of having a spare as he leaves it at school sometimes

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