Using your inhaler in public

[Dilbertian]

Do you? How do you feel about it? I think I'd feel less self-conscious if I didn't use a spacer, because the inhaler itself is so small and discreet.

I think if I was in a really bad way I wouldn't give a dam, but I never am. My asthma is very mild, just not yet well-controlled. I have symptoms most days. I know from experience that it never escalates if I don't use the reliever, but the Asthma Nurses have drummed it into me that I must nonetheless use the reliever when I have symptoms.

Is yours the blue inhaler? I would use mine in public but it's a preventer one and it is a different type of inhaler where you don't need a spacer, although it's quite noisy to inhale so not very discreet! I struggle to use the blue inhaler when I am out because I lost my spacer and it all ends up on my tongue without it, but some people seem to be able to do that so maybe you could practice without the spacer if that makes you feel better in public?

I felt a bit self conscious at first using mine, more so when I started using my spacer as well but you soon get used to it. People don't really notice.

You can get inhalers that are breath activated so automatically release the dose when you breath in. I use a spacer for my preventer and the accuhaler for reliever, without a spacer. It really is worth persevering to get the drug combinations right because well controlled Asthma means your life is almost normal.

I use my spacers at home ( I have 3 inhalers) but usually only carry the reliever inhaler about with me- and try to use it discreetly when needed. I still feel a bit self conscious even after 40+years of inhaler use!

Yes, no problem with it at all. Well, the mask gets in the way so if I'm wearing that I'll nip away somewhere away from folks before lifting it.

Other people with asthma inhalers have been part of my life since I was about 12, mine didn't kick in until later, but it's always just been totally normal day to day life.

I have a turbohaler called bricanyl which you just suck. Super small and discreet.