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Avatar universal

asthma inhaler question

recently my asthma has flared up and I was given new inhaler (the orange one) along with the blue one. this was on Monday afternoon (around 5pm) didn't take the orange in haler until 8pm that night (dose is 2 puffs twice a day). while it has improved slightly my cough has not gone away (though most of the chest tightness and feeling of inflammation has). I was told to go see my family doctor but didn't get to make an appointment, should I go back to the walk-in clinic?
also I was told to use my blue inhaler 2 puffs every 4 hours, no more then 4 times a day (if/as needed). would it be harmful if for short term to take it another time? I don't want to OD or anything just want to be able to reduce my coughing all day rather then just part of it (I get up at 3am and going to bed at 9pm)
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Avatar universal
going to the doctor's tomorrow. I went to the walk-in a week ago and they put me on prednozone(sp) for 5 days, which helped but I'm still coughing like crazy. i think it's starting to sound rather goose like.
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Avatar universal
well my cough is a nonproductive cough (nothing coming up), and it doesn't feel like anything should be coming up. and my gp is only open mon-thurs.
I'm not wanting to take my inhaler closer then 4 hours, it's just tomorrow I will be up at three, firt puff at 4, then 8 then 12 then 4. which would last me until 8, and I won't be asleep until 10ish. don't really like the thought of coughing fits while I try to sleep. and my med is flovent hfa 250mcg (orange inhaler, 2 puffs twice a day), the other is [apo-salvent cfc free] salbutamol 100mcg (2 puffs/4 hours as needed. up to 4 times a day(.
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Avatar universal
Try calling your family doctor on Monday (unless they are open today) if you are no better and let them know you've already gone to the walk-in clinic, but have not gotten better so need to be seen QUICKLY!!  It could be that you need a round of oral steroids in addition to the inhaled one (presuming your 'orange" inhaler is an inhaled steroid) to get you over this flare of the asthma.

If you get worse over the weekend, start running a fever or start coughing up a lot of discolored sputum, then I would return to the clinic.

I also agree with trying an over the counter cough suppressent/expectorant - your pharmacist would be the best person to ask which kind is best and what won't interfere with your current meds.

Best of luck, hope you feel better and pleaes keep us posted on how you're doing.
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1563533 tn?1345366296
I really need the name of the meds, but in theroy... the Orange one could be Flovent is an inhaled steroid that takes down inflammation, it is NOT a rescue inhaler. This is usually given one in the morning and one at night, every 12 hours, it works for 12 full hours.  BLUE inhalers are the ones that open your airway within 5minutes, they are the rescue inhalers.  It opens your airway right then, it will also make you cough because now the airway is bigger in diameter and the mucus has a bigger hole to come out of now and can be coughed out easier now.  It should work for 4-6 hours, I would do this anycloser than 4 hours, it isnt going to help if you do it any closer. And it could make you a little nervous feeling, Like "the shakes".  I would take something else for your cough like an Robitusin cough syrup.  Hope this helps!!
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Avatar universal
well it takes a week to get into the family doctor (and it's my own fault I don't have an appointment...stupid anxiety) so. and I only refereed to it as blue and orange because while I know what they are the names aren't firm in my mind (especailly as I've only had the one a week). and I have had past asthma attacks like this, where for a few weeks I just cough every couple of minutes.
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144586 tn?1284666164
You need to request the pharmacist to provide you with the PDR handout for every medication, and not refer to them as the blue,orange,yellow inhaler. Do not be satisfied with the drugstore handout.

You might consider an over-the-counter cough suppressant.

You should see a physician as soon as possible for advice. Some walk-in clinics are very good. Others worthless. If your own physician can see you in a day or two, go there.

As to taking an extra puff or two of inhalent one more time a day, it won't hurt you.

I am concerned you might have an on-going infection.

Purchase an expectorant from the drug store and see if there is yellow fluid in the coughed up mucus. If so, an antibiotic is generally prescribed.
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