Treatment effectiveness
How do you know if your current inhaler is working well? Will I always feel slightly short of breath?
Hi Rose, and thanks for your post - you've posed an excellent question. Although we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), your concern certainly warrants a reply.
Generally speaking, COPD patients who have been prescribed a rescue inhaler, will typically feel better following its use. This may be indicated by the patient breathing more easily after using the metered dose inhaler (MDI). This can be very subjective and may also vary considerably from patient to patient.
You may want to discuss this at length with your prescribing physician. The doctor will be the most suitable medical professional to guide you in terms of managing this condition. The doctor may also be able to explain to you, how to assess how you're feeling while using medications.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)
It looks like Leon already answered your question, but I was wondering if you're using a spacer with your inhaler? Depending on the type of inhaler, it can be very effective if you use one and may feel like you're getting more of the medication (because you probably are).
It might be another thing to ask your doctor about.
Regards,
Lyn (COPD.net site moderator)I’m currently prescribed Stiolto Respimat as a maintenance inhaler, with an Albuterol rescue inhaler. I’m fairly new to this ‘journey’ and unsure of what I can and should expect.
Hi again, Rose, and thanks for your recent comment, earlier today (above). I see my colleague,, has already responded to your concern with an excellent suggestion about the use of spacers.
I do hope you have an opportunity to look her comment over.
Wishing you well,
Leon (site moderator COPD.net)I encourage you to look through this site and just click on any of the articles that trigger your interest - it's a great way to become familiar with living with COPD and all that entails. Sometimes when it's so new, you don't even know the right questions to ask. Seeing various topics in one place can help that.
Regarding your inhalers, the albuterol should always be used with a spacer. The respimat inhaler is a different system and usually is not meant to be used with a spacer. As long as you're using it according to the directions, you should be getting the correct amount of medication.
Best,
Lyn (COPD.net site moderator)
