New inhaler but not steroids please? Asthma/COPD

[Ami40]

Hi All,

I'm looking to get on a new inhaler,I don't know if it's Asthma/COPD as not been diagnosed yet properly.

I've tried steroid inhalers and they have been a nightmare! I have too many side effects off them so it's a no go.

So looking for an inhaler which i can use long term without having many issues!

I tried to do a job around the house And used some exertion (not much) and then was out of breath! So need something for this too?

Wad advised Spiriva or some other anti muscinex meds?

Anybody got any experience of these and side effects please?

Thanks in advance!

[R2B_John Moderator]

Some inhalers work for COPD AND asthma yet some work best for just one or the other. Treatment can vary as well. I strongly urge you to see a pulmonologist and receive a diagnosis. Then, your physician can discuss which inhaled medication therapy is best for you. We can only tell you what works for each of us....which could have little benefit for your situation. You would need a prescription anyway....so probably best to ask the doctor.

Let us know what happens.

John

[Welshcatlady]

Hi, I was prescribed Spiriva when I was first diagnosed about 5 or 6 years ago, now I get Braltus which is the same but under a different name. However after about 3 years I needed more help, so was prescribed DuoResp Spiromax to use as well as the Braltus, but it is a steroid one. I have had no side effects from the Spiriva/Braltus. You should really talk to your GP about which inhaler will be best for you.

[katieoxo60]

I use Spirava and have done so for around ten years, no side effects I am aware of . Its easy as you only need it once a day, its slow release I beleive. We are all different so best to try several to see which benefits you. After all they are not a cure just for symptom releif in most cases. Most long term drugs can eventually impact on your other health, there are some herbal remedies to help reduce breathlessness, which is a side effect of illness. Might be worth consulting an herbalist. No matter what still try to keep active as it does improve the lung capacity and clears the airways as well as boosting the moral. Stay safe

[Jocopd]

Get your doctors input. Some inhalers are rescue inhalers which work fast and don't last long and you take as needed. Others are maintenance inhalers that you have to take once or twice a day in order for them to work right. Not sure how you got steroid inhalers without a prescription but that is why you need to consult with doctor. What you need for your specific issue may not be what someone else uses.

[Ami40]

Hi All, thanks for your responses, I have spoken to the Dr and been prescribed Spiriva HandiHaler so will see how I get on with it, was really scared at first due to all the research I read was pointing to it can cause early death, heart issues etc!

However, after much research that was more the Respimat mist version that did that... And then found more research to say, that it was incorrect due to those patients had existing heart issues and findings show that they are both ok to use.

Just heard a lot of people are having side effects off it, hope Im ok with it as that was the whole point getting off the steroid inhalers!

Will see how I get on and post...

How's everyone doing with Spiriva HandiHaler if anyone on it??

Any blurred vision

Heart issues palpitations etc?

Aches pains?

Anything else?

[Sally001 in reply to Ami40]

I have COPD and have tried a few different inhalers over the years prescribed by my doctor, and the one that works best for me is Inspialto. I take 2 puffs in the morning and it lasts until the next morning. The only side effect is blurred vision but it is not all the time, just once in awhile and might be combined with eye strain from the computer and tv.

I find drinking green tea, doing breathing exercises and having the humidifier with eucalyptus oil on constantly really helps to decongest my lungs.

I hope this helps and you are managing well with Spiriva, that is one I haven't tried.

[FlowerPreciousLover in reply to Ami40]

I'm not sure but think the Spiriva is more to maintain lung function. It isn't used as a "rescue inhaler" for short term help. I've not experienced any of the side effects you mentioned.

[coebob]

Prescribed spiriva last august by a private consultant, NHS totally let me down couldnt even get a referal to a specialist. He diagnosed Bronchial asthma plus COPD (ACO) and early Bronchiectasis both lower lobes. It has helped and certainly had no major exacerbation since. Still can't get refferal to NHS Consultant, possibl;e age discrimination I am 77!

[FlowerPreciousLover in reply to coebob]

Good heavens, coebob! So glad you got a diagnosis and I am sorry to hear you can't get a referral to a pulmonologist from NHS. I live in U.S. and my primary doc made my referral to pulmon. several yrs ago. Also 77 yrs old and even more grateful that I've had specialist care.

Our medical costs/ins in the U.S. are incredibly high so I often wish for something like NHS here because many here can not afford the costs of docs, prescriptions or treatments. Each system has advantages/disadvantages but it is a disgrace that not all have access to the medical help which could improve/extend their lives. I've had friends seeking a new doc be told that the practices were "closed to new patients". Some think it is due to age discrimination here as well.

[FlowerPreciousLover]

Hi, Ami40. With chronic bronchitis and reg. visits to my pulmonologist, I've been using prescribed Spiriva for several yrs with no side effects. Doc also prescribed Dymista to loosen and cough up phlegm which has really helped me. Each of us is different so what works for one may not for another. We aren't docs here but can report what does or doesn't work for us. I think my loss of energy is due to decreased lung function. I tire much more easily now so also practice some deep breathing exercises which I hope will strengthen my lung capacity and at least maintain my present energy levels. Wishing you the best.