is there a reason why most docs prescribe 2 puffs at once instead of 1? I'm trying to gradually bring down my dosage since I'm feeling better. However, I'm wondering if the first puff is to open the bronchi a little from the congestion and it's the second puff that really does the big job of getting deep inside the lungs and providing the day's relief
With a controller medicine, the number of puffs depends on the dosage your doctor has prescribed. In general, it should be the lowest dosage necessary to keep your asthma optimally controlled.
For the rescue medicine, most docs say two puffs at a time. However, sometimes people only need one. If I take two puffs at once, I'll get jittery, wired and anxious, and that's not fun.
So, I take one puff and wait a couple minutes. I find that one almost always does the job. If I still feel tight, then I go for the second puff.
When I was first dx'd I was on 2 puffs of flovent twice a day. I am not on one per day. We got me under control and stable for 6 months and then slowly dropped a puff till I got down to one per day. It works fine for me.
With my albuterol rescue inhaler, I've tried to go to 1 puff before jogging but it just doesn't work. I have to do 2. But usually if I have chest tightness and have to use it, one puff does fine.
This is something you should talk with your pulmo about adjusting.
Thx for the responses. If you take rescue inhaler for exercise (1 or 2 puffs), how long does it typically last you for? Few hours of tennis?
Also, have you guys tried anything other than flovent but in the same category (no LABA's like advair or symbicort). Flovent still gives me nasal congestion
I find that the rescue inhaler lasts 5 hours of normal activity, but only 2 hours of vigorous activity in cold weather. (I only have EIA in cold weather.)
I always always use a spacer with my Flovent. Otherwise it irritates my throat. For the rescue inhaler, I don't like to carry the spacer with me, but I use it with spacer if I'm at home.
I usually only run 2-3 miles so it lasts that long - last 5K was 38 minutes. Doc said 2 hours and then I could use again for cardio if needed but haven't done anything of that duration. And I haven't used a spacer in years...just don't need it.
Great - thanks both of you. Another question - on some inhalers, I read that once you press the top to release the gas in and inhale, you should continue pressing the top of the inhaler. I don't see a point with that since the gas is released the instant you press it. Agree?
I know this is a bit old... but I have mild asthma and I usually only need one puff to do the job. If my lungs are a bit more closed up, I'll need two - the first one opens my airway enough that the second can get in there and do its job. I just got a spacer for my ventolin inhaler because it's harder for me to use it properly when I'm sick (which is when I need it the most) and I love it already. It makes it SO much easier to use.
I'm like you less is better if it works. I''ve used 1 and it's fine, but I'm a mild case I think .Just Diagnoised. Not sure weather the spacers do any good I've heard they do. My Dr. says no need. And I think the Xoponex is better for me cause the Abuterol drops my blood pressure.
