Mum takes blue, grey and purple inhal... - Lung Conditions C...
Mum takes blue, grey and purple inhalers, she has poor technique, she is breathless putting clothes on, she's 84, should she be on oral meds
Has your mum got a spacer device? I know it's very handy for the blue inhaler as its much more efficient at getting it deep into the lungs. Not sure how the others might work with a spacer though. Again maybe nebulising may make a difference. Can you speak to her GP or accompany her to an appointment?
Thanks for your reply, mum has a spacer for her purple inhaler but not for the others. She is breathless on very little exertion, getting dressed, walking in the house. She is very thin and I feel her condition is pretty bad. Severe COPD I would say. Should she be taking oral meds and would mucodyne help with the thick sputum
I have blue, green and brown inhalers, as well as Spiriva with it's own device.
I was told to use the same spacer for all the regular type of inhalers, and to make sure I clean it regularly. I have one of the smaller tube type (AeroChamber Plus), but have seen the larger angled ones - reminded me of a fish shape at the time.
I don't know if I'm doing it right that way, it would seem excessive to have one spacer per inhaler type? I also carry a blue reliever inhaler with me, should I need it out and about.
I was told that the inhaler delivers the drug direct to the airways, if a tablet form was used it would need a much higher dose to be effective and could have side effects.
As always, please consult the professionals dealing with your Mum and check with them for reassurance. They know the details, we can only advise on what we know here. What is right for one may not be right for another.
When I am having more difficulty breathing I use a different spacer for each different inhaler medicine. But mainly I use only one with the steroid (preventer) inhaler and another spacer, when needed, for the ventolin (reliever). The respiratory nurse told me its better not to mix the two drugs in one spacer but advice does change fro each patient from doctor to doctor and respiratory nurse to respiratory nurse.
I'm going to ask about this when I get chance - of course, it makes sense not to mix the drugs, even though they are all going into the same set of lungs. Should I have a different space for each inhaler - I really don't know.
I was given one spacer and told that I should use it to take the medication, from that I took it that it was fine, now I'm not so sure.
Hi Connor
You don't say what condition your mum has, however inhalers are usually the treatment for copd and asthma if you would like to call me today or tommorow on 03000 030 555 when you are free and i can advise further
regards
Vicky
Hi Connor, as well as ringing VickyBarber on the BLF helpline 03000 030 555 you may find a visit to your Mum's doctor and the respiratory nurse at her doctors surgery helpful for you and your Mum if you can go with her. If you don't have a respiratory nurse attached to your Mum's surgery ask her doc if you can access the Community Matron who can visit and advise further on help that is available for your Mum. It will give you some peace of mind to be able to ask some questions and comunicate information with your Mum present. The doc can have a listen to your Mum's lungs to be sure she does not have a lung infection and he can also advise what to do when normal symptoms change and when you need to get extra help or use additional medication. The respiratory nurse will be able to advise on inhaler technique and medicine options available that may make it easier for her. When you book the appointment to see the doc ask for a double appointment, this should give you 20 mins to discuss things, (generally an appointment is only for a 10 minute duration.)
All good wishes zoee
Thank you so much, great advice
