Check you inhalers

[Justusemyname]

I haven cold and cough and trouble breathing. Needed my inhaler. Expired March 2014 . I had no idea. I've probably used it too.

I am wondering why I have a cold but really quickly it has gone to my chest so it hurts when I cough and is making it harder to breathe. I have a headache intermittently too. Is this more than a cold or what? I keep going icy cold too. I have had a Lemsip drink.

If you're asthmatic, have a cold that's gone to your chest and keep going cold, it's sounds as if you may have a chest infection. Think you need to see a GP.

As for the advice on the inhalers, I think it's a great idea. I recently went for my asthma check and the inhaler I took was 2 years out of day. Whoops!

Oh no. I can't be ill. I'm away with DD next week but even before that I have Ds2 who is a bit off and Dd who is already poorly. I've been googling for advice but got nowhere. I'm stuck as I don't think either need the doctor but DD has complex issues that the GP and nurse won't accept.

Lemsip it is. Yum.

You must go to the dr! Chest infections are horrible and, if untreated, can turn into pneumonia . Better to get some antibiotics now, then you'll probably be right as rain for next week.

I'm actually feeling better today. Still a bit coldy but breathing is easier anis I haven't coughed yet. I will ring if it comes back though. Thank you.

Tbh as per I'm more concerned about the children. Going to try and take one of them to school now.

OK, well bear it in mind. Chest infections sneak up on you. I hope your children get better soon.

Does anyone take Clenil? (Brown preventer). I was advised yeaterday by a pharmacist to rinse my mouth after taking it because it can cause oral thrush, I've never been told that in years of taking it!

Yes, that's true, Felyne. I take it before brushing my teeth.

I've been told that as well Fel. Never had it happen to me but then I don't eat much sugar.

All of the brown inhalers can cause oral thrush - they contain corticosteroids, which act by suppressing your immune system, which is a Good Thing in your lungs when you have asthma. However, some of the medicine will get stuck in your mouth and throat, and it suppresses the immune system here, meaning that the candida we all have present in our mouths/throats can flourish, causing thrush. Rinsing your mouth after use or using a spacer to take your medication can help prevent this.

I read you are meant to do your teeth after using but didn't always.

My DC managed an hour at school and now two are home in bed, one at school who is okay and I'm feeling yucky but keeping busy as I can't give in to illness.

Having a Lemsip.

Didn't know about brown inhaler causing that I've been using it since was 13 on/off. Only just learnt when DS got brown inhaler that important to brush teeth after as can cause staining.

Anyway hope you get well in time for your trip OP