Asthma - Long term solutions?

[maldini3]

So like many people I do suffer from Asthma and whilst it's a lot more manageable now it is still something that I need to tale medication for.

In the event that getting access to that medication on a long term basis isn't an option does anyone have any suggestions / ideas to manage it?

I've done some reading up in the usual herbal medicines / solutions but I can't help but feel in a stressful environment it just wouldn't quite work out for one reqson or another..

[rik_uk3]

I have COPD so need Ventolin and Serevent. As a retired nurse I've no faith in 'natural remedies' so I'm stocking up as much as I can. You can buy Ventolin from Asda pharmacies and if you go on holiday to Spain most pharmacies will sell over the counter to you (ask friends who are going to get some for you too).

[maldini3]

Yeah ASDA is great (Even if it takes about 20 minutes to do a pointless consultation) I also find this website to be really good - www.doctorfox.co.uk. For 2 Ventolin inhalers fully posted and arriving usually the next day it'll come in at about 20 quid. Not as cheap as a repeat prescription but for a small difference in price it's a lot easier.

My asthma is very much under control these days but I still keep an inhaler with me at all times. My concern long term in a really bad scenario is not being able to get hold of more - I think the expiry date is usually about 18-24 months which isn't huge. Although really if it comes to that I suppose we've all got bigger problems haven't we!

[Rearfang]

Have been recommended a salt pipe but haven't really given it a fair try

[maldini3]

Have been recommended a salt pipe but haven't really given it a fair try

What exactly is that? not heard of that before!

[rik_uk3]

Have been recommended a salt pipe but haven't really given it a fair try

What exactly is that? not heard of that before!

http://www.library.nhs.uk/DUETs/ViewRes ... sID=303002 No real peer reviewed evidence on if it actually works.

[featherstick]

When I was a triathlete many years ago, a lot of people were using powerbreathe - it works by strengthening the diaphragm and intercostals. Apparently it was developed for asthmatics. I've no personal experience but they are not expensive on ebay.

[ForgeCorvus]

When I was a triathlete many years ago, a lot of people were using powerbreathe - it works by strengthening the diaphragm and intercostals. Apparently it was developed for asthmatics. I've no personal experience but they are not expensive on ebay.

Theres also the Ultrabreathe
Most of the parts are made in the UK (mostly by where I work )

Works by mechanical resistance, how good it is for Asthma I don't know

[maldini3]

Probably not a terrible idea either way really. I'll have a look into those thanks for that!

[dangerman]

I'm stocking up too. I've had a mild case of asthma since I was a kid, but it's fine worse. Fortunately, while the kids are little I get free prescriptions and so I'm doubling up where I can. So far they're being very frugal though. But I have a few months the supply of qvar.