Asthma and self protection

[two sheds]

I actually used the OPEP thingy for the full five minutes recommended this morning, and it certainly shifted some mucus. They also recommend using it at night but I don't fancy lying down and needing to cough.

 

[two sheds]

Got this email this morning - interesting information in there I think.

Changes to inhaler prescriptions: what they might mean — Asthma + Lung UK Blog

Dr Andrew Whittamore looks at recent changes to reliever inhaler prescriptions and explains what they mean and how closer monitoring of reliver inhaler use can improve asthma management. He also gives his advice on what you can do to make sure you’re getting the full benefits of your medicines.

www.blog.asthmaandlung.org.uk

 

[hash tag]

I had an asthma review by phone a while ago....how's it going?
Ok.
And that was it

 

[two sheds]

I was surprised that they class three or more uses of reliever inhaler a week as asthma not being under control. I've not had to use mine for a long time luckily enough.

 

[Epona]

That's interesting, I mean we consider OH's asthma well controlled now because he only uses his reliever inhaler (salbutamol) a couple of times a day and I've not had to call 999 to get an ambulance for him in an emergency where his lips have fucking turned blue in the last 6 months.

Not sure what fantasy land they are living in where they think that restricting reliever inhaler prescriptions is a good thing, while preventative care might still not be properly in place.

Asthma isn't something that is a "one size fits all" take this pill and this preventative inhaler once a day and you'll be fine, it still kills people.

 

[rubbershoes]

The pink preventer one has changed my life. I was on the ventolin 5-6 times a week before I got the preventer. The ventolin is largely untouched now, and is used no more 4 times a year. There's been lifestyle changes too

 

[Agent Sparrow]

From working in an asthma service, one of the issues is that if salbutamol is taken too often then it starts losing its effectiveness, which is dangerous. So it’s not so much that it should be rationed, but if you’re rinsing a blue inhaler every month then your preventative regime should be reviewed. Or you might need support in taking your preventative regime as it should be.

Epona did they ever try him on a Symbicort smart regime?

 

[two sheds]

Yes limiting reliever inhaler prescriptions without having symptoms under control from having correct preventer is just daft.

 

[High Voltage]

The pink preventer one has changed my life. I was on the ventolin 5-6 times a week before I got the preventer. The ventolin is largely untouched now, and is used no more 4 times a year. There's been lifestyle changes too

Before we moved to Shepton I'd never heard of an asthma nurse. My current doctor's surgery had one and from that time onwards my asthma was got, pretty much, under control.

As with you, the pink preventer turned my life around, although one incorrect tentative diagnosis, by a super keen asthma nurse, of COPD did knock me for a few weeks until the doctor who specialises in asthma set me straight. But already from that hiccup you could count my annual ventolin usage on the fingers of two hands.

I'm now also taking regular exercise which involves stressing my breathing far, far greater than I've ever consider doing for years as that was a very real trigger for me, now, not so

 

[Epona]

From working in an asthma service, one of the issues is that if salbutamol is taken too often then it starts losing its effectiveness, which is dangerous. So it’s not so much that it should be rationed, but if you’re rinsing a blue inhaler every month then your preventative regime should be reviewed. Or you might need support in taking your preventative regime as it should be.

Epona did they ever try him on a Symbicort smart regime?

I'd have to check what he's on at the moment (and I ought to in case I have to call 999 at some point, it helps to know what medications your nearest and dearest are on in such circumstances ) because I know they changed his prescription due to his COPD (and yeah although only mild that is a complication) so I think he has a slightly different powder inhaler now than the one he was first put on - and montelukast pills. It was going onto a powder preventer inhaler that made the biggest difference though, a few years ago he was in a bit of a state - couldn't maintain a healthy weight cos he was burning so many calories just through breathing being a real effort, in and out of hospital etc. He's so much better now with more up to date treatments.

 

[elbows]

I noticed this article today which started witha. tragic death but then touched on quite notable regional variations, and the way the admission rates fell int he pandemic and have been creeping back up again.

Lung disease: 'For asthma to take her life was just unbelievable'

New research shows stark North-South divide in hospital admissions for lung disease across the UK.

www.bbc.co.uk