COPD inhalers
Hello everyone. My pulmonologist tried me out on a couple of different inhalers with 3 different medicine's in them. The 1st was breztri, the aerosol made it easy to use but I was still congested all day. The next was trelegy which wasn't as easy to use as it is not an aerosol but worked absolutely fantastic! My problem now is that it has become harder for me to take in a strong enough or long enough breath to get all the powder to my lungs. Most of it seems to end up on the back of my tongue and as a result I'm not getting the relief I used to. I have a pulmonologist appointment at the end of the month and will speak to him about this but was wondering if any of you are using an aerosol COPD inhaler that covers most of your symptoms? Thank you for your time. Rich.
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I have been prescribed Symbicort. I have using it for 15 months. It contains a corticosteroid and a bronchodilator. It helps keep inflammation down (and therefore fare ups) and also dilates the brachial tubes for better breathing. It works for me. Now when I get ready to exercise, go for a walk, do housework, etc., I use my ProAir HFR. It contains Albuterol. Basically, an emergency inhaler. If you are having problems getting a proper dose of medication from your inhaler, ask your pulmonologist about using and getting a spacer. This is supposed to work well for getting all the medication into your lungs. I would also ask about possible pulmonary rehabilitation. It will help you learn to strengthen your lungs so you can breathe better. There are also flutter valves and spirometers to help with breathing. Take care and God Bless. Let the forum know how things work out for you.Hey, thank you very much for the advice! Have a good one! Rich
This is not an uncommon problem. I'll address the Trelegy Ellipta since you said it works great. It would be good if you can make that work for yourself.
Since it's a powder it can be a challenge to inhale. But, there are things you can do to make it easier. First, do you also take a nebulizer daily? or a rescue inhaler? If you do, I suggest doing that before you take your Trelegy. The bronchodilator effect will open your airways enough to allow for more of an inspiratory flow when you take the Trelegy. Of course, this should only be done with your doctors approval.
Another option is to note what time of day you feel the least short of breath. That might indicate a likelihood of more inspiratory force - thus a good time to take the Trelegy.
I also agree with using an Incentive Spirometer to build your ability to take a deep breath - it will help a lot when trying to take the powder inhaler.
I hope that helps a little.
Best,
Lyn (site moderator)
