Your asthma inhaler isn't helping you anymore? Let's see what happens!

Do you have asthma? Maybe you love to run, jump, and play. But doesn't the inhaler you use make you feel better at that time, that is, easier to breathe? Maybe you feel like you're taking your inhaler before, during, or after a run, but it doesn't seem to help much? It's normal to feel a little scared and anxious when that happens. "Oh, isn't there another medicine that works for me?" You might be thinking. Don't worry, this is something that happens to many people. Let's talk about this in detail today.

Why isn't this inhaler working properly? Do you have this problem too?

When your inhaler doesn't work as expected, you wonder, "Why is this happening?" There could be several reasons. Let's see what they are.

Is the way you use your inhaler really correct?

This is the main problem most of the time. Think of it like an inhaler is like a key. It can only open a door if you use it properly.

• Are you using your inhaler without shaking it properly? Some types of inhalers need to be shaken well before use.
• Is the right way to breathe? When inhaling the drug from the inhaler, you should take a slow, deep breath and hold it for a while. If you breathe in too quickly, the medicine will not go into your lungs properly.
• Do you use a spacer ? Some people, especially younger ones, have difficulty holding the inhaler directly to their mouth and taking their medication. Using a spacer allows the medication to go straight into the lungs without being wasted.

When you go to see the doctor, take your inhaler with you. Show the doctor how you use it. Then the doctor can correct it if there is a mistake. Don't be shy, this is something that many people do!

Will I need to change the medication? Or is the dose not enough?

Sometimes the medication you are currently taking may not be right for you, or the dosage may not be enough.

• Asthma status changes over time. Especially in young people, that is, adolescents, the asthma status can change over time. So the medication or dosage that worked well before may not be enough now.
• If your asthma is getting worse, you may need a higher dose or a different type of medication .

A doctor is the best person to make this decision. So if you feel anything like this, see a doctor immediately.

Maybe the asthma is a bit too much?

Your asthma may be getting worse due to changes in your lifestyle, changes in your environment, or other medical conditions. For example:

• Have you recently moved to a dusty environment?
• Did you bring a pet home?
• Is there a lot of pollen these days?
• Do you often catch colds ?

Things like these can also worsen asthma and reduce the relief you get from your inhaler.

Don't be afraid! You can definitely control your asthma.

Just because you have asthma doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you love, especially exercise. The best thing is that there are now many good treatments for asthma. You just have to find what works best for you.

What are the treatments for asthma? Simply put...

There are two main types of asthma medications: 1. Quick-Relief Inhalers : These are used when you have trouble breathing. They quickly widen the bronchial tubes and make it easier to breathe. They are also called bronchodilators . You may use one of these inhalers before you go running. 2. Long-Term Control Inhalers : These should be used every day, once or twice a day, as directed by your doctor. They work by reducing inflammation in the airways and preventing asthma symptoms from occurring. They may contain things like corticosteroids . You may not feel a big difference right away when you use these, but with continued use, your asthma will be controlled. For some people , a reliever is all that is needed. That means you only use them when you have asthma symptoms. But some people need to take a daily (preventer) medication to keep their asthma well controlled. Your doctor will decide what is right for you.

Seeing a doctor is essential! Don't miss it!

This is the most important thing. If you feel like your inhaler isn't working, please see a doctor.

• Don't try to change your medication on your own. It could make your condition worse.
• The doctor can determine exactly whether your symptoms are actually due to asthma or if there is another cause.
• You may need to try several medications to find the right medication and dosage for you. This is done by talking to your doctor and explaining how you are feeling, what is working, and what is not.
• If possible, see a doctor who has treated you before and who knows your condition. Then it will be easier for him to give you the best treatment based on your medical history . If not, go to another doctor or clinic and get the treatment you need.

Don't forget: Asthma is a condition that can get worse if not treated properly. The next time you have a flare-up , it can be much worse. So don't take this lightly.

Do you know your Asthma Action Plan?

When a doctor tells you that you have asthma, they usually write an Asthma Action Plan , a plan to control your asthma.

• What's in this? This plan has a lot of important information, like what medications you need to take every day, how much, what to take if your asthma gets worse, how to take them, when to see your doctor again, and what to do in an emergency.
• Why is this important? By following this plan properly, you can better control your asthma and continue to function normally.
• Talk to your doctor about this ( Asthma Action Plan ) and make sure you understand everything in it clearly. Don't be shy to ask if you don't understand something.

Exercise and asthma - how to balance this?

Exercising is very good for the body. You don't have to avoid exercising just because you have asthma. But you have to be a little careful.

Should we stay away from things that aggravate asthma (Triggers)?

There are certain things that make asthma worse, which we call triggers . It's important to stay away from these as much as possible.

• What are the common triggers ? Dust, dust mites found in old books, pollen , cat and dog dander, smoke , certain foods, viral infections , extreme cold, and certain medications (e.g., aspirin ).
• How to find your trigger ? Keep a journal of when your asthma flares up, what you do, and what you eat. That way, you'll know what triggers it for you.
• Be careful when running outside:
• Reduce your time outdoors when pollen is high. Or try running in the morning and evening when pollen levels are low.
• If you're running on very cold days, wear a scarf or ski mask that covers your mouth and nose. This will reduce the amount of cold air going directly into your lungs.

Do you have to stop exercising? Absolutely not!

Many people think that exercising is not good for people with asthma. That's a misconception. In fact, if properly controlled, people with asthma can also exercise well.

• Talk to your doctor and get advice on what exercises are right for you and how to do them safely.
• Typically, your doctor may tell you to use your reliever inhaler before you start running (10-15 minutes before).
• When starting an exercise, start slowly and gradually increase your speed ( Warm-up ). Also, when finishing the exercise, do not stop suddenly, but gradually reduce your speed and stop ( Cool-down ).

Keep these things in mind (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so here are some of the most important things you need to remember from what we've talked about:

• If your asthma inhaler doesn't feel good, don't ignore it.
• Definitely see a doctor. He or she will give you the best solution.
• Make sure your doctor knows how to use your inhaler correctly.
• Understand your Asthma Action Plan and act accordingly.
• Find out what triggers your asthma and avoid them.
• Don't stop exercising. Exercise safely, as directed by your doctor.

Remember, asthma is a condition that, if managed properly, does not prevent you from living a normal, active life. You are not alone, and don't be afraid to ask for help! You will feel better soon!

👩🏽‍⚕️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the Doctor

💬 I can't breathe even though I use my inhaler, why doesn't it make me feel better?

Oh, that's a problem that many people have. Most of the time, it's because they don't use their inhalers properly. Some inhalers need to be shaken well, and the breathing method needs to be correct. That means taking a slow, deep breath and holding it for a while. For small children, it's also important to use a 'spacer'. Next time you come, bring your inhaler with you, so we can see if you're using it correctly.

💬 What if I'm using the inhaler correctly, but I still don't feel well?

Good question. If you're using it correctly, maybe the medicine you're using now isn't right for you, or the dose isn't enough. Asthma changes over time. So we need to see if you need a different medicine or a different dose. Let's check that.

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Asthma, Inhaler, Breathing Difficulty, Exercise and Asthma, Asthma Control, Asthma, Asthma Inhaler