Idiopathic PN,

I have used Symbicort 160/4.5 for about 3 years now for adult onset asthma due to Sjogren's. I do not use a chamber...never even brought up or offered by the doctor. I simply exhale completely, then press the inhaler as I breathe in slowly...then hold it for 10 seconds or so, then exhale. DO MAKE SURE to rinse your mouth after use.

Why did the doctor feel the chamber was necessary?

From my experience, misuse of inhalers is very common.

The 160 strength of Symbicort is the stronger one too.

I think her doctor gets the Aerochambers as samples, to help prevent thrush and other side effects.

The aerosolized drugs are suspended in the air, and if you inhale well, you get them properly. But Idiopathic claims shortness of breath, so maybe her doctor suspects she cannot do it in one breath?

I find this doctor to be quite helpful and professional, and concerned to provide the Aerochamber, under these circumstances. Most doctors don't give a hoot!

I dont really know. Maybe - it was routine to give that samples away.

So I can use direct from the Symbicort directly? As Mrs. D said, its hard to synchronize the inhalation and the pressing of hte cannister.

The doctor requested for a Sjorgren's test, among other tests. It may be negative again. Let's see.....How does Sjorgren's affect the lungs?

Thanks.

I was looking at the website of the Symbicort and the 160/4.5 is actually for COPD. If I am not mistaken, there is another product of Symbicort which is for asthma.

The doctor mentioned that I should clean my mouth after inhalation to avoid the thrush.

Actually, it was my husband who noticed that the doctor and his Physician Assistant were thorough in their examinations/questions. I waited for 2 hours, but its worth the try. I was just a little disappointed with the technician operating the machine for the PFT. He lacks enthusiasm in encouraging the patient to perform better. In my first 2 experiences with PFT, the technicians were so enthusiastic and so motivational to patients. I remember, they also gave me another try for a particular stage of the test to get a better result.

Thank you Mrs.D

I understand that this forum is not for lung problems. Please forgive me if I use it for my purpose. Please bear with me on this.....

My question are :

1. Does COPD, by any cause - chronic asthma, smoking, chronic bronchitis, auto-immune diseases, emphysema, exposure to toxic enviroment, etc., show on CT scan?

My last scan dated January 2011 shows two scars which might have been caused by the ileocecal T.B.

2. Swimming may be one of the better exercises for the lungs, but normally the pools are heavily treated with chemicals. Does using swimming pools acceptable for patients with COPD?

Thank you so much for your answers.

The other Symbicort is 80/4.5. My pulmonologist had me try that one but it wasn't as effective in controlling symptoms. However, I have reduced the dosage of the 160/4.5 from two puffs twice a day (normal dose) to one puff twice a day and seem to be doing okay with only a few incidents of needing the rescue inhaler.

Sjogren's can cause adult onset asthma and interstitial lung disease. It can also complicate simple upper respiratory infections as tissue can be lacking in proper moisture and not clear as easily causing pneumonia, etc.

Dear Mrs.D,

With your comprehensive research and knowledge on supplements/medicines and treatments, would you know of any supplements that are good for the lungs?

Also, are there any supplements/medicines in my list that can be damaging to the lungs? My current medicines/supplements are as follows:

1. Multivitamin
2. Vitamin C
3. COQ10
4. Benfotiamine
5. ALCarnitine
6. VitaminE
7. Calcium
8. Vitamin D3
9. VitaminB12
10. R-Lipoic
11. SAM-e
12. Epsom salt - for soaking
13. Epsom It Lotion
14. Omega 3,6,9
15. Synthroid
16. Gabapentin

Mrs.D, is there a particular supplement to counter the effect of teh steroids in my nerves? I am very concerned about the side effect of steroid, but as you know, I dont have much choice on this. I need to use the inhaler for my breathing.

Thank you, always

Well from your list, only the gabapentin can affect breathing, that I know of.

If you use your inhaler properly you should have few side effects.

Long term use over years...that is when side effects may appear.
Alot depends on technique, and how much you deposit the steroid in your mouth. Hence the Aerochamber to reduce that.

If you reduce spasm in your bronchi, you will breathe easier, and
the medication will get in more easily as well.

Particularly for echoes and en bloc, and those who are willing to share their insights :

My pulmonologist gave me several tests for autoimmune diseases.

As you know, my Sjorgren's, RA and Celiac/Gluten have been negative in my earlier tests for the PN. But, I have some symptoms for these conditions, though, it may not be conclusive. Example, for Sjorgren's - I have dry eyes but no dry mouth, for RA - I have nodules in my fingers and painful but findings was OA, for Celiac/Gluten - my result was negative, but I have neurological symptoms.

I still waiting for the results of the recent tests .

I am interested to know if the lung problem is autoimmune mediated, and treatment has been administered, is the the lung problem resolved (or at least stop the progression)?

Thank you.