Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
255738 tn?1230233362

I was recently told I have emphysema.

My dr. prescribed a rescue inhaler and a Spirivia Respimat inhaler.  I also have something called Reactive Airway Disease.  When I try to use the Spirivia inhaler, I start coughing when the medication starts going in to my lungs.  I am not able to hold the medication for the 10 seconds I am supposed to.  Does anyone else have problems with this?  How do you deal with it?  My dr. says all the medications for my emphysema are inhalers like this one.  Any information would be most appreciated.
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
15695260 tn?1549593113
Hello and welcome to the forum. Thanks for the question. I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis of emphysema and that you are having trouble with your inhaler.   One of the most common problems is inhaling too fast. Sometimes, Inspiratory flow during inhalation is too rapid. (It is important to inhale slowly and deeply when you release the spray, so that you do not choke on the sudden burst of liquid. Try to breathe as calmly and as deeply as possible, filling up the lungs completely.  Is there any way you can try to hold your breath for that extra few seconds after a slow, deep inhalation?

Spirivia Respimat is a DPI or dry powder inhaler.  There are other types of inhalers that you may have better luck with.

Absolutely work with your doctor as you are not alone in this problem.  You could try pulmonary rehabilitation therapy which may aid in the situation.  Please let us know how you are doing.  
Helpful - 0
1 Comments
Here is some information on emphysema as well.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/symptoms-causes/syc-20355555

You are reading content posted in the Emphysema Community

Popular Resources
Discharge often isn't normal, and could mean an infection or an STD.
In this unique and fascinating report from Missouri Medicine, world-renowned expert Dr. Raymond Moody examines what really happens when we almost die.
Think a loved one may be experiencing hearing loss? Here are five warning signs to watch for.
When it comes to your health, timing is everything
We’ve got a crash course on metabolism basics.
Learn what you can do to avoid ski injury and other common winter sports injury.