Asthma

[manathu]

I have recently been diagnosed with asthma and I have been given an inhaler which I am finding very hard to use correctly. Can any other sufferers out there give me some tips please.

[daffy654]

What type of inhaler is it manathu? there are different types that require different techniques.I'll be happy to advise once I know......i've had asthma for over 20 years.

[daffy654]

There is a good demonstration on the link below,click in the box that says "check your inhaler technique with our demo"

http://www.asthma.org.uk/all_about_asthma/medi cines_treatments/reliever.html

[manathu]

Thank you so much for your help. I will look at the website. My inhaler is a Ventolin Evohaler. Thanks again

[daffy654]

Next time you go to your doctor ask them to prescribe you a spacer device,it makes it much easier to get the dose required.They are suitable for the type of inhaler you have.Good luck with controlling your asthma.If you have any more questions there are a few asthma sufferers on AB who will be happy to help.xx

[manathu]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate your advice.

[spudqueen]

You should be able to buy a spacer from your local chemists. Also, does your local surgery have an asthma clinic? Mr Spudqueens doctors do, which he has found very helpful.

[daffy654]

Spudqueen you cannot buy spacer devices over the counter,you must have a prescription for one. I tried to buy one a while back and the pharmacist said I would have to get a prescription first.

[SRH]

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about an automatic inhaler. I had the same problem and now have one that puffs out the dose automatically as you breathe in, without you having to press the canister at the same time. It's slightly broader than a normal inhaler, but looks pretty much the same. It gives me peace of mind that I don't have to worry about trying to breathe right when I need a dose - the last thing you want to have to think about when your breathing is giving you trouble!

[auldyin]

Glad you posed the question manathu. Thanks to daffy's excellent link I realise I've been using my easy breathe type inhaler incorrectly. I did'nt know, or forgot, it should be shaken before opening the mouthpiece.