Expert: Marc Rubin, RPh Asthma Educator - 2/3/2009

Question
Hi there, I have a question regarding asthma and inhalers. Whenever I'm short of breathe, I take my inhaler and it doesn't seem to help me at all. Nothing changed basically,to be honest, I think it just makes it slightly worse. But I remember one time when I went to the YMCA, I sat in a steam room for a while, I think 30 minutes or so. Sometime after I get out needing to cool off, I feel SO MUCH BETTER, I felt like running and jumping with alot of energy. I think the steam in the steam room is a MUCH BETTER WAY to help me and other people that have asthma. What kind of steam do you think is in the steam room? is it like chlorine steam or something? whatever it is, it sure as hell worked ALOT better then those shitty inhalers.

Answer
Hi HD,

Humid air helps to thin out the mucus secretions in the lungs, which is why swimming is a good sport for people with asthma who wish to get exercise with reduced risk...EXCEPT..the amount of chlorine in the pool must be strictly monitored. Chlorine is a severely irritating chemical for ANYONE, which is why when there are commercial chlorine spills, the area is evacuated for miles.

Regarding the inhaler, there are a number of issues.
1)Are you Caucasian, Afro-American or Hispanic? There is a hereditary variation that can affect ~ 10 of Caucasians, but up to 30 of Afro-Americans and some Hispanic groups, where the traditional albuterol inhaler is not effective. For these asthmatics, they must use an Atrovent inhaler. This is NOT common knowledge across the medical fields, but among allergists.
2)A major cause of failure is using incorrect device technique when taking the medication. This is VERY common. I had a physician on one product who stated it didn't help her. I pulled out a trainer device so she could show me how she used it. Did it completely wrong. The sad part here is that she would also be instructing her patients incorrectly. To see how to properly use your rescue device, go to: http://tinyurl.com/9hgl7z  and if your technique IS correct (including inhaling slowly while you press the cannister), then you need your medication re-evaluated.
3) If your rescue medication is one with the new propellant: ProAir- HFA, Ventolin-HFA or Proventil-HFA, unlike the old formula, these need to have the plastic holder cleaned frequently, due to getting plugged up. Generally, with ProAir-HFA and Proventil, you pull the cannister out, and run warm water through the plastic unit. DO NOT USE A NEEDLE TO OPEN THE HOLE!. With Ventolin-HFA, a moist Q-Tip twirled at the nozzle should do well.

Bottom line, when there is therapy failure, you need to communicate that to your doctor so it can be investigated.

I hope this helps you.

Sincerely,

Marc