c.o.p.d

[thos]

living in hopes!!Have copd-still moderate but I am finding it increasingly difficult to do anything without gasping-do not smoke have inhalers-ventolin spirova-simbutin go for -physio does anyone have any suggestions which they have found useful

[Sqad]

daffy is the one to talk to here and you Chest Physician is the guy to talk to. I have seen your regime and the only pharmacological addition that you might like to discuss with the medical staff is the use of steroids.

[thos]

thanks squad I thought the medication i am having contained steroids in the inhalers i do see a specialist every 3 months but he just tells me to continue on inhalers-also thought steroidswere not very good for one

[Sqad]

thos...you mentioned ventolin as your inhaler....this isn´t a steroid.

Simbutin is not a steroid either, but lowers your cholesterol

Spirova...never heard of it, but doubt if it is a steroid.

Steroids do have limitations in their use and also side effects, but may also be life saving and beneficial. In you case, your Chest Physician would weigh the pros and cons.

[bednobs]

in our area, the community matrons run a self management course for people with COPD that has great results - perhaps your area have it?

[marie26]

Inhaled steroids combined with long acting bronchodilators, Seretide is one, for example, are recommended for severe COPD. The evidence of their use is not recommended for mild and moderate disease - see NICE. Ventolin and Spiriva are fine. There is a new inhaler called Fostair, I think, that can be used for moderate disease. Check with your COPD management team at your surgery, but you should have expert advice and management from a Respiratory Physician at your local hospital. You can then be referred to a Pulmonary rehab programme; these programmes demonstrated effectiveness. Ask your GP to refer you; GPs are not the experts in this area I'm afraid.

[marie26]

Sorry, just re read your answer that you do see a specialist. I imagine that you may have completed a pul rehab programme too?
Ventolin is a short acting inhaler, that you can use as often as you wish during the day, although many are worried about using it more than 4 times a day. It would be beneficial if you could use it with a 'spacer' device. This would ensure that more of the active ingredient is inhaled into your lungs, rather than settling in your upper airway. Ask at the surgery for a spacer. Don't be worried about using the inhaler more than 4 times a day.
Spiriva is a long acting inhaler that is used once a day, it does not contain steroids; many people find it very effective. You would not use a spacer device with it.
Oral steroids are only given for short periods, for example when you have a exacerbation of your COPD, and in inhaled form when your disease is severe. I do hope that you have had your flu and pneumonia jabs?
I hope that you feel more at ease soon..

[sag]

Spiriva (Tiotropium) Is excellent and used via a small handi-haler; a bit like a flying saucer in shape!

[thos]

Sorry only just replying to your helpful advice on Copd-i honestly though there were steroids in inhalers thanks for putting me right.thanks Marie Squad and Sag- I do have a spacer for Ventolin I thought 4 times was maximum anyway try using it more frequently as i am unable to walk a few feet and then i am gasping see Specialist next week i feel as if i am worse may ask about new drugs Marie suggested I also see Physio but dont really find much benefits there she mainly talks about aids which is useful i suppose.so thanks al ot to you all

[daffy654]

The maximum dose for Ventolin is 2 puffs 4 times a day thos, it can cause palpitations and light headedness/fainting if you use too much.