How can I tell if my asthma inhaler worked?
Posted on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 in Respiratory Diseases
Steve C asked:
Hello, I was diagnosed with asthma and got an inhaler yesterday. It is asmanex, it says that the powder is so fine that I might not be able to taste or feel it, and being the first time I used it I am really not sure if anything happened. I breathed in and felt nothing, but I am not even sure if I used it correctly or if it did anything because it says I might not taste/feel anything.
Hello, I was diagnosed with asthma and got an inhaler yesterday. It is asmanex, it says that the powder is so fine that I might not be able to taste or feel it, and being the first time I used it I am really not sure if anything happened. I breathed in and felt nothing, but I am not even sure if I used it correctly or if it did anything because it says I might not taste/feel anything.
Can anyone give me any advice on whether it worked or not? Thank you!
Also, it would be helpful if anyone has any tips to using it. Thank you again!
Carol
Debbie
You can breath OK??
Karen
Assuming you are still breathing, you are supposed to shake the container and then inhale deeply and hold you breath for a few seconds. Please call the doc’s office and ask them this same question, and ask for instruction.
Justin
I’ve been using Asmanex for a few months, and you can’t feel anything at all when you use the inhaler. This is because it is a dry powder inhaler, not an aerosol. To use it, first twist the inhaler until it clicks into place. Then take a breath and let it out as completely as possible. Put the inhaler in your mouth and sharply inhale, then hold the medicine in your lungs for as long as you can. Exhale and breathe normally. Rinse your mouth with water to remove excess medicine (the pamphlet says it can cause sores or oral thrush). It take 2 or 3 weeks before Asmanex will prevent asthma symptoms, but it has helped me. If you have an actual asthma attack, you should use your rescue inhaler (usually albuterol) for immediate relief.