Eco asthma inhalers

[WarriorN]

Why switching asthma inhaler could be better for you and the planet www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-59997297

I've always wondered about this.

Is this as straightforward as it seems?

My Fostair seems to be available (I think.)

Has anyone else used them?

I started using a dry powder preventer couple of years ago - and honestly it was a life changer... I still have the blue ventolin but I very rarely use it now (I think I might use it once in the last 3 months, while before it was at least once a week)

Tbh I only realised last year that actually the dry powder one is also better for the planet - which is great of course :)

That's interesting, I'm glad it's helped. What sort is it? How did you come to make the charge?

My Dd has been given powder ones, the asthma nurse said they are much much easier to use correctly and it ensures the medication actually reaches your lungs. She did tell us the stats on how many people they estimate are using normal inhalers wrongly but I can't remember it now. I imagine that the powder ones will gradually get more and more prescribed, although I remember a friend having one 25 years ago so they are not a new thing.
Definitely worth a conversation with your asthma nurse to see if you could trial one

Hmm, thanks all. Sounds like win/ win? Are there cost differences for the nhs?

Will enquire next review.

I already use an accuhaler for my Seretide so will ask for my salamol next time. Definitely easier to use than the aerosol one. Thanks

Asthma U.K. have written this for anyone interested:

blog.asthma.org.uk/blog/dr-andy-green-inhalers

I used dry powder inhalers for several months, and had to go back to aerosol as they really affected my vocal cords. My voice kept cracking like I was losing it and the high range of my singing voice disappeared. It was handy not having to use a spacer but they weren't worth sounding like Frank from EastEnders!

That's interesting. I suppose it's key to make sure it's right for you.

@Pinkywoo

I used dry powder inhalers for several months, and had to go back to aerosol as they really affected my vocal cords. My voice kept cracking like I was losing it and the high range of my singing voice disappeared. It was handy not having to use a spacer but they weren't worth sounding like Frank from EastEnders!

Did you rinse your mouth after using it? Apparently that's quite important, although I very rarely do that ... But heard that not rinsing your mouth can lead to voice changes and some other oral issues

Yes I did, my GP said it's a fairly common side effect.

@Pinkywoo

I used dry powder inhalers for several months, and had to go back to aerosol as they really affected my vocal cords. My voice kept cracking like I was losing it and the high range of my singing voice disappeared. It was handy not having to use a spacer but they weren't worth sounding like Frank from EastEnders!

Entirely the opposite for me! My preventers have always been powder inhalers. I've never had any hoarseness, even if I didn't rinse immediately after.

Last autumn I was given MDI Symbicort instead of the powder one, and within 2-3w I noticed a slight hoarseness creeping in to my voice. Then, in the middle of a service, I found I couldn't even make a sound near the top of my range, let alone sing a note, and was going flat as I approached the bottom of my range. By the end of the service I was miming. The following day I got a new powder Symbicort inhaler, and by the next service ten days later, the hoarseness was completely gone and I was able to sing the whole service.

I used a spacer with the MDI, and rinsed religiously as I could feel it on my tongue.

I tried a powder one a few years ago - it made my my sinuses and nasal passage so dry I was constantly squeezing my nose trying to get some moisture into it. It also made my nose whistle as soon as I lay down. I have refused to try another one.

@dilbertian what is MDI?

I'm sure my first inhailors several decades ago were like these. I recall having to be extra careful about mouth ulcers. I'd try then again though.

Metered Dose Inhaler