What are the risks involved in using an inhaler for asthma and what can you do to counter them naturally?

Question

My doctor said I have significant air restriction in my lungs. I've never used an inhaler before and I'm a little afraid of them. It's basically steroids, right?

What can I do naturally to improve my lung capacity and to counter any problems from the inhaler. I know I need it right now, but I'd like to wean off it, if possible.

It's Albuterol. Should it feel different right away if you inhale it right?

Answer 1

I've had chronic asthma since childhood, been in research studies with UCSF, been on all sorts of meds since I was a toddler, so here's what I've learned over the years:

There are two major physiological causes of asthma - 1) restriction of the airways due to constriction and 2) inflammation of the tissue itself.

A "combination" inhaler like Advair takes two modern drugs, Serevent and Flovent, and uses these (only one is a steroid, if memory serves) to mitigate and control these two different, distinct physiological causes.

With appropriate dosing, I'm told there isn't a big risk of cumulative steroid damage (at least, that's what I'm told). But neither drug (nor the combo, of course) is intended for 'emergency' use - when you're really in trouble and unable to get a full breath.

For that you need albuterol or proventil (same drug) as a 'rescue' inhaler - and if you don't do that, you'll have serious, serious problems.

I have yet to discover an alternative, natural course of action that completely addresses either the constrictive restriction or the inflammation as thoroughly as Advair.

But I will tell you that what helps a lot is 1) keeping weight under control, 2) reducing my intake of milk and other mucus producing foods, 3) regular exercise, 4) powerlung training device.

Google the PowerLung and see what you think, I use it and it's helped, and no, I don't work for them or make any money off them or anything.

Hope some of this helps.

Best to you.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Since you didn't mention what type of inhaler you were prescribed, we can't tell you if it contains steroids or not.

Don't be afraid of the medication. It's meant to help you. If you'd only like to use it as needed, talk to your doctor about using a Peak Flow Meter, which is a device you can blow into each morning and evening (or before any kind of excercise) that will give you an accurate reading of your lung capacity. That way you will know if you indeed need the inhaler at that time. It really removes the guess work.

Good luck.

Answer 4

Not all asthma meds are steroids, some are even used on children. but there are other ways to help with it go to a allergist a lot of times your asthma is aggravated by allergies, I have found that by just controlling them and making sure not to catch too many colds i am able to control my asthma, but realistically you have too keep in mind that your doc also knows you best but if you have a concern then tell him/her right away and try and see if maybe there is not an alternative. some other homeopathic ways are coffee when you go into an attack, mint tea helps, anything menthol helps too a point, there are other ways than just inhalers these are generally rescue and really should not be used unless necessary, again i cannot stress enough go see a ear nose and throat doc and have them check for outdoor and indoor allergies!!!!!! and start a treatment for them .

Answer 5

Asthma isn't about lung capacity, it's about inflammation in the lungs restricting air flow. The purpose of inhalers like alubterol is to open up the air way. Side effects are minimal. Some people may feel jittery if they use too much. Long term side effects are non existant. You should consider the consequences of not being able to breathe before throwing away your inhaler.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

Because of my own experience, I am really cautious about inhalers....there are side effects....etc.

I was diagnosed them for an asthma that it turned out I didn't have......and I was the one who just figured it out and got off of them.....

If it were me, I would go to a alternative medicine nutritionist...maybe one who is also an MD....and get another opinion of your total problem.....In some cases they are probably necessary....but get another opinion.