Asthma Support Group

I was wondering if anyone has an suggestions for an inhaler that they find works well for them with min. side effects.

Do all the inhalers raise blood pressure and make your heart feel like it's going to take a flying leap ?

Currently trying not to use PROAIR...

The proair is an albuterol. It is a rescue inhaler.

You should call your pulminary doctor and tell him/her that you have been using it so much that you are experiencing increased blood pressure.

the doctor may be able to put you on a longer acting albuterol type of a medicine - which should nto present that same problem.

If you are using the albuterol mor than once or twice in about 4 days you really need to be re-evaluated.

I hope this helps you.

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Another thing that you can do - when you do use the albuterol - use a spacer. That will make the puffs about 50 percnet more effective. That way you may be able to only take a single puff instead of two puffs. However, you really should consult with your pulminary doctor about this.

big hugs, Raoul

I had been using it once or twice a day only one puff at a time. But stopped a few days ago. I know in my heart that it is related to GERD now and the Prilosec is finally putting my breathing at ease. It is still effecting my airways but not nearly as bad. I def. need another evaluation after my upper GI, they at least will be able to tell more what is going on. He gave me singlair to fill but I am very scared because of how sensative I am to medication and if it is the GERD that is causing airway problems then I am thinking it isn't going to work just like the albuterol doesn't I seem to be able to tell the difference between the 2. The doctor never met me before last week and only did a breathing test. I was suprised considering... maybe that is Medicaid Dr's for ya ... I am starting to get that impression ;o/

It is really nice to see you. It has been a long time since I have seen you.

I am sorry you are having difficulty.

Okay - if you have gerd then the prilosec should help you.

The albuterols are only intended to be used about once a week - and only for emergency rescue. If you are using them more than that , then when you have a problem - they will not work.

If after receiving the prilosec you continue to have breathing difficulties - then you do need a rescue inhaler. And definately use a spacer with it. But also have the pulminary doctor check you for thrush . Because the albuterols can cause thrush if you do not brush and gargle after each use. It is not as bad with the albuterols as some of the steroids, but it is still a possible cause of your difficulty.

Then, after you may be on both the prilosec and the albuterol more than once of the albuterol a week - then you need another med from the pulminary doctor.

For that there are additional longer acting albuterols (these are different that the rescue inhalers and can be used with the rescue - when needed); or sometimes there are steroid inhalers when needed.

I hope you feel better real soon.

It is common for people to use more than one and more than two inhaler types as prescribed - when they need them. When I have a flare up - i use albuterols , atrovents and steroid inhalers.

If you need any additional help - you are welcome to message me anytime.

Big gentle hugs, Raoul