Asthma and ventolin

11 replies

bizzylizzy79 · 22/07/2012 09:22

Just wondering if anyone else uses ventolin while they are pregnant? I can ring the doctor on monday but am really suffering with wheezing at the moment but am nervous of using my inhaler if it could harm the baby. I'm 16 weeks and haven't suffered in a while. Having checked google I'm getting contradicting information. Thanks

OP posts:

dozensofpichu · 22/07/2012 09:27

I used loads of ventolin in my first pregnancy. For some reason the pregnancy really triggered my asthma. I was told to drink after using it, or brush my teeth and only side effect could be going overdue. I was very worried about medicines in pregnancy but my dr said it was far better for baby for me to be breathing at full capacity and baby getting plenty of oxygen.

jinjay · 22/07/2012 09:27

My doc told me I could use it as often as I need it as its unlikely much will trickle throught to baby, I was also put on a nubulizer whilst pregnant, baby is fine 2 years later and it made me feel a million times better, if u worried do u not have an out of hours doc u can ring?

RevoltingChildren · 22/07/2012 09:28

You can not stop using ventolin when pg. I'd hZve ended up in hospital Besides it is inhaled directly into the lungs nothing enters the bloodstream

It's far worse for the baby if you can't breathe than deny potential side effects. My dr told me its impossible to overdose on ventolin which is why young children should be able to carry theirs at school. The most it can. Do is make you a bit hyper and that's if IOU have a lot.

OneOfMyTurnsComingOn · 22/07/2012 09:28

I've used it through2 pregnancies, and stronger inhalers. Both kids are fine (1 is now 8).

NarcolepsyQueen · 22/07/2012 09:29

It is recommended to take it - please do! Not managing your asthma is dangerous when pregnant. Taking ventolin isn't!

Sidge · 22/07/2012 09:30

Yes absolutely. It's very safe.

You need an asthma review - in pregnancy a 1/3 of women will find their asthma gets better, a 1/3 find it stays the same and a 1/3 find it gets worse. You may need your medication reviewing.

Original poster

bizzylizzy79 · 22/07/2012 09:37

Thank you! Glad it all seems to be ok. My asthma has only really flared up again since being pregnant as well. I seem to be really paranoid with this pregnancy. Than you for the reassurance x

OP posts:

Benaberry · 22/07/2012 10:47

Definitely take it!

When I was pregnant with DS1 6 years ago that was the first thing the GP told me, to continue with my asthma meds as normal (also on Becotide for control) - the risks to the baby from uncontrolled asthma were far greater than any possible risks from the meds themselves. Agree also with Sidge about getting meds reviewed - I'm in the 1/3 that sees no change, but it's definitely worth getting it checked out.

kirdy · 22/07/2012 15:48

Yeah I was told to take it as much as I needed it won't have any bad affects on baby its better to take it to get more oxygen in for you and baby. My asthma is really bad this pregnancy but didn't really suffer with my first two. Defo take it if you need it don't suffer cuz I know its horrible xxxxx

Debs40000 · 27/12/2012 20:52

Hi my daughter is 12years old and just over two weeks ago was having difficulty breathing. My husband took her straight to a&e as it was late in the evening. After doing various breathing tests and examinations, they gave her a salbutamol inhaler and spacer, which has helped. The doctor said he would write to the doctors surgery. I waited two weeks then rang for an appointment, as the inhaler was running low. With the Christmas holidays the next appointment was 3rd Jan 2012, I asked the receptionist if they had received the letter from the a&e doctor, they had. I requested another inhaler as the one my daughter had was running low, they refused and said that I would have to see a doctor, but again it wouldn't be until 3rd January 2012. Can the receptionists do this? Would be grateful for your advice.
Thank you

Pontouf · 28/12/2012 11:42

You can tell them that you need it as an emergency appointment. It is absolutely unacceptable to leave your daughter without an inhaler. If you can't get an emergency appointment with your Dr you can go to an out of hours surgery, walk in centre or (if your daughter is struggling and has no inhaler) a&e. Once you've got it on a repeat prescription pharmacies will often do an emergency supply for you (boots, most of the major supermarkets etc) if need be, but you usually need to pay for this and then claim the money back once you get the prescription.

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