Cure worse than Complaint
Posted , 5 users are following.
I have COPD (emphysema) and have tried several puffers with little success. Ventolin seems to have no effect at all, likewise Spiriva. With the long-acting puffers, the only one that was very helpful was Breo, but this caused blocked and sore sinuses, very painful. To counteract this, I used Nasonex which causes a very dry nose which needed to have vaseline inserted every night and sometimes through the night. I have now stopped all medication and merely use Fess saline nose spray to keep my sinuses clear. My breathing has deteriorated since stopping Breo, but at least I can breathe through my nose and my sinuses are clear and I can breathe well if I don't exert myself. Climbing stairs or a hill is difficult. Anyone else had this sort of experience/reaction to puffers? Also had dry mouth and sore throat, but these were tolerable.Thanks.
0 likes, 5 replies
james80978 suzley
Posted
Dear Suzla. Since I had pneumonia I see consultant twice yearly anhes tried me on various inhalers I'm currently on q var 4puffs morn and4at night duaklir powder twice a day uniphylin twice a day long term antibiotic 3times a week mucadean twice daily and 1 daly 5mg prednisilone. Also take 1alendronic acid pill weekly and2calcychew pills daily to combat effect of predisilone to the bones. I also have my emergency steroids and antibiotics which I don't need near as much since taking these meds . For past 8 years I've been taking squirts of avymys which helps me breath easy. Hope this has been of some interest to you. Ps forgot to say I've had copd (emphysema) since 2009 and stopped smoking immediately. I'm 65now and still going strong so persevere with your meds
james80978 suzley
Posted
Grunthos suzley
Posted
Hi Suzley,
I've recently switched from Seretide/Spiriva to a new Anoro Ellipta inhaler and, although it's early days, I've had no problems. Maybe it's worth investigating this sort of inhaler? They are known as 55/22 umeclidinium/vilanterol inhalers and, as far as I know, there are at least four different ones available on the NHS. One of them sprays a mist rather than a dry powder, which maybe you will find more suitable.
Good luck and take care.
len62601 suzley
Posted
I've had emphysema for 18 years and have tried all the sprays without much success and was virtually living on ventalin. My doctor called me in to see the new COPD nurse who said I was over medicating on ventalin and should try Seratide 500 and hey presto it works a treat Twice a day and not used ventalin since My breathing is now pretty good and all my test results are so much better. There are some small side effects that I am getting like I bruise more easily but this is tolerable considering the iimprovements in my breathing and quality of life. Can't say that it will work for everyone but you could get a trial organised
fred80536 suzley
Posted
I had a lot of problems with inhalers until I started flushing my mouth after every inhalation. I've also found that taking meds using a nebulizer is much more affective.