topic Re: Do You Use An Inhaler? in Wellness

Do You Use An Inhaler?

Sooner — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:00:51 GMT

I have never had one, but with allergy season affecting me more I was thinking about asking my doctor about it at an upcoming checkup.

I thought I would ask what your experiences have been if you use one, when you use it, how effective it is, etc. I would appreciate any comments, so I would be better informed to discuss it with my doc.

Thanks!

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

skatting44 — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 13:58:17 GMT

Suggest you may want to read info from Cleveland Clinic to see if you fall in a category that may Need an inhaler for Asthma or COPD .

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/8694-inhalers

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

redbird — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:18:24 GMT

I have asthma so use both a daily and rescue inhaler. They help with coughing and breathlessness. What symptoms are you hoping an inhaler would ease?

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

Sooner — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 14:33:39 GMT

@redbird wrote:
I have asthma so use both a daily and rescue inhaler. They help with coughing and breathlessness. What symptoms are you hoping an inhaler would ease?

@redbird General difficulty breathing especially when allergy issues are so bad. With dust, pollen and weather fronts sometimes it's so hard to breath especially at night.

Not talking about stuffy nose. But just feels like constriction goes deeper than that.

That's why I am asking what people use theirs for and what their experiences are, so maybe I'll know more what I'm talking about when I visit with the doctor. I'm just asking in general how this works for people--and what issues it relieves.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

cindyNC — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 15:03:46 GMT

I would be very careful. I had asthma as a kid, it came back once or twice as an adult. My physician prescribles an inhaler for upper respiratory infections in case I get an attack.

I haven't used an inhaler in over 4+ years ..........but my medical record still indicates asthma and everytime I have any surgery requiring anesthesia it's a red flag. They always ask me if I can walk from the parking lot to the building without becoming short of breath..............the problem is my knees effect my walking from the parking lot, not my asthma.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

PickyPicky3 — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 16:13:46 GMT

I'm assuming you're using air cleaners at home. I couldn't be without them. Anything to keep wheezing from kicking in.

During this summer's wildfire smoke I upgraded and am glad I did.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

chlema — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 17:58:16 GMT

I was prescribed an inhaler some years ago after a bout of pneumonia to aid in breathing. I still use it, mostly in spring and fall although this summer I used it quite often after a bout of Covid. I use ProAir and find it does help.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

LavernLuvsShoes — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 18:55:55 GMT

I use an inhaler (Advair) daily to keep my airways open and prevent asthma attacks.

However, it is a corticosteroid, and the side effects - at least in my case - are: Increased appetite/weight gain - High blood pressure - and Calcium depletion in my bones.

With that said, if I didn't use the inhaler, I would not be able to walk from one room to the next without having to sit down and catch my breath.

(Having asthma feels as if an Elephant is sitting on my chest, when I wake up in the morning.)

So, I decided that the ability to breathe (more freely), and having a moderate amount of energy was worth having to take calcium supplements, and watching what I eat.

Your mileage may vary.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

I am still oxox — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:02:10 GMT

I use Pro air which is a inhaler with out Eppie as opposed to Albuterol, I do not remember the last time I used it

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

redbird — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:46:06 GMT

@Sooner It sounds like you might be a candidate for an inhaler for seasonal use. I started out that way using it for allergies and when I got a respiratory infection. I developed moderate asthma about 3 years ago and would be lost without my inhalers. It sounds like a good discussion to have with your doctor. There is an over the counter inhaler on the market but I don't know anything about that. I hope you find the solution to your allergy symptoms.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

KingstonMom — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 20:46:29 GMT

I have stage 4 emphysema and it sure puts the weight on you!

I use Advair and an abuterol inhaler, my weight went from my average of 110 to 129 (today at the Dr's office).

I am miserable and ALWAYS hungry!!!

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

Toppers3 — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 16:48:04 GMT

Hi @Sooner ,

This has been a tough season for those of us with allergies.

I have mild asthma but when I was quite ill a few years ago when Covid was first going around, it had really aggravated my asthma and it had made my lungs more reactive so I was put on a combo. inhaler--one with cortisone in it, along with a quick-acting medication.

So I use Advair daily, plus I also use a rescue inhaler when I need one--generic ProAir, or albuterol.

I also take an antihistimine daily year 'round. It helps for various allergic symptoms.

Re: Do You Use An Inhaler?

Sooner — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 23:24:13 GMT

I appreciate the responses! You told me just what I needed to know to have an intelligent discussion with my doc! I appreciate that y'all are generous enough to share experience.

You can get the facts from reading, but experience comes from people!