Rescue Inhaler

[Vanessa74]

I have a question. When you take your 'rescue' inhaler (feeling tight, having a hard time breathing, etc.) - how long should it take to work? Should you start coughing stuff up? How long should it last?

Thanks!

[gcsmithjr]

It typically begins to work within a minute or two and reaches its full effect in about 15 minutes. If you've been feeling tightness in your chest before you take it, coughing stuff up after it takes effect is not unusual (as the airways relax some of the mucus that clogs them can be easily expelled). It usually last for 4 -6 hours after you take it.

[acprivra]

You should also take it before any exercise to get your airways opened up. I take mine 15-20 minutes before.

[Vanessa74]

Thank you both very much for your answers.

I do not seem to get those types of results with my rescue inhaler - and am in fact wondering if the tightness is asthma (as I do not cough NOR do I wheeze)...

At times the rescue inhaler (Ventolin HFA) will seem to help, most times however, not really....

I am still attempting to get my Acid under control (have tried several PPI's with to many side effects) as I believe that is really causing me MAJOR problems with my breathing???? I have also modified my diet, etc. no help yet....

Wish I could get this figured out - would LOVE to breath good again (6 months now of this SAGA -- I get scared now because when the breathing is really bad -- no help from the Ventolin.....

Thank you again - I continue to march forward!!!

[Titchou]

Gastric problems will often mimic asthma. GERD sufferers esp seem to have problems that mimic it. If the albuterol isn't helping, it is most likely gastric rather than asthma. If you've been diagnosed with asthma, are you on a daily preventive?