Asthma

[PrimeTimer]

Thought I'd mention a new asthma medication/inhaler that I like for any of you who also have asthma. I could not imagine having an asthma attack during a dialysis treatment so I really feel for you guys. For many years I have used Ventolin as my rescue inhaler but recently switched to ProAir Respiclick. I had tried the regular ProAir (similiar to Ventolin) that is like a mist inhalant but that didn't work well enough for me. I was nervous about trying the Respiclick because it says it could take up to 5 minutes to work. When you can hardly breath, 5 minutes is a looong time! Well, I've been on Respiclick for a month now and for me, it works almost immediately and it's effects last much longer than other inhalers I've tried. After one dose, I can almost go all day without needing more. It is a powder that you inhale whereas other inhalers are more like a propellant or spray. Anyway, if any of you ever wondered about it I can tell you that it works great.

[cassandra]

Thanx PT, I still use Ventolin when I have an attack, but I'll remember Respiclick for when I run out.

[kickingandscreaming]

Ventolin and/or generic albuterol inhalers are great for rescue, but for long-term control you need to tame the inflammation that undlies the asthma and for that you need something like a steroid inhaler, e.g. Flovent.  If you find yourself using your rescue inhaler daily, you might want to think about a deeper solution that tackles the underlying inflammation.

[Michael Murphy]

I use Xopenx which is levbuterol a more heart friendly and it works as well as ventolin. 

[PrimeTimer]

My doctor recently switched me from Flovent twice a day to Breo Ellipta once a day and....WOW. What a difference! I can breath nearly normal now and go a lot longer before needing my rescue inhaler (ProAir RespiClick). I find myself breathing better and being able to do more. I still have to pace myself but can go a little longer. And I'm sleeping better. And the more I do, the more I am exercising my lungs and entire body so it is good for my Fibromyalgia. It feels good to be able to do some things again. Finally, I have hope and can take a breath without wheezing and choking. Started to hear myself sing the other day. That was progress, even if no one else heard me (or wanted to).  I have the best doc, he refuses to give up on me.