COPD

[marilyns]

Is anyone on Spiriva? Any complications? Or is anyone on Spiriva and another type bronchilator?

How severe is your COPD?

Thanks

[angiet]

hi ya i am new to this discussion board, i am on this spiriva, i have been told that my copd is a grade 1 which is only mild, i have never been to see a chest specialist, only had a chest xray and done a spiromertry test,

[leeaston]

Hi spiriva is excellent for copd if youre not allergic. I've been on it for a couple years. I am late stage copd, severe. But I've been copd for almost 20 years now.

[LungDoc]

Are there any specific questions about Spiriva therapy or other inhaled bronchodilators that I can help you with?

[mama's angel]

Wow 20yrs with COPD? Do you have mood swings? Depression? Feeling of self pity? No harm is intended these are symtoms my mother gets and it's only been 3yrs since she told her family. I am trying to figure out if there is anything I can or need to do beside Pray. Thank you

[bluebayou]

Hi I'm new to this site as well & am curious about meds. I was diagnosed about 4 years ago and am currently on symbicort does anyone know if these types of meds are long term?

[LungDoc]

Symbicort is a combination of an inhaled steroid (budesonide) and a long acting beta agonist, or bronchial tube dilator (formoterol). These medications have proven efficacy in reducing symptoms and preventing exacerbations (the inhaled steroid) in COPD. Most, if not all COPD medications are intended for long term use because COPD is a chronic and progressive disease. There is no medication yet available that reverses the damage or changes the course of COPD. The therapies we currently use are aimed at making you feel better and maintain levels of activity. Some also reduce the incidence of COPD flare ups, or exacerbations. Hope that helps you a bit!

[Huns]

I am on Spireva, also use Nebulizer with Albuterol Sulfate and Ipratropium Bromide day and night. Hane tried Advair and lose voice. Exercise on Treadmill anlift light weights.

[bluebayou]

symbicort also causes me to loose my voice sometimes, the Dr. gave me a sample of advair but so far I have'nt tried it. we've not tried the nebulizer, I do use an emergency inhaler with albuterol, does'nt seem to do much good. I'm trying some yoga breathing techniques, and keeping a journal about how often I have to stop because I can't breathe, dizziness and other problems, I'll let you know how this works.

[LungDoc]

In general, you should not use Sprivia and ipratropium together. They are of the same class of medicine, but Spiriva (AKA tiotropium) lasts longer and provides better receptor coverage to deal with the causes of airway spasm and mucous production. It is counterproductive to use them both. Albuterol is a different airway dilator and is OK to use with Spiriva. Hope this helps.