Chip --Thanks for explaining the different functions of the inhalers. The nurse practitioner didn't explain that. Now I understand that Qvar, which she prescribed after Bob said the Ventolin didn't help much, is the better choice for his pres

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Chip --Thanks for explaining the different functions of the inhalers. The nurse practitioner didn't explain that. Now I understand that Qvar, which she prescribed after Bob said the Ventolin didn't help much, is the better choice for his present situation because it should help prevent or delay another attack.

Before you mentioned it, I didn't know that some inhalers were used as preventative measures. I will learn more from the free dial-a-nurse service that comes with my health insurance. I'm looking forward to January 1, when Bob will be covered by the same insurance company, lowering his medication costs.

Today is the start of a cold week here in north central Florida. I will make sure that Bob is well protected on the three-minute walk to the van that takes us to the doctor's office. Judy K

Hi Judith,

The two inhalers you mentioned are quite different.

The Ventolin or Salbutamol inhaler is a rescue inhaler designed to give fast relief from an asthma attack or bronchial spasm. This inhaler is considered to be very safe and is commonly used as a first defence when breathless.

Salbutamol (INN) or albuterol (USAN) is a short-acting â2-adrenergic receptor agonist used for the relief of bronchospasm in conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It is marketed as Ventolin among other brand names.

The Qvar inhaler is actually a steroid inhaler, designed for prevention rather than speedy relief.

Qvar CFC-free inhalers, autohalers and easi-breathe inhalers all contain the active ingredient beclometasone dipropionate (previously spelt beclomethasone in the UK), which is a type of medicine known as a corticosteroid.

Corticosteroids are hormones that are produced naturally by the adrenal glands. They have many important functions, including control of inflammatory responses. Beclometasone is a synthetic corticosteroid and is used to decrease inflammation in the lungs.

Beclometasone taken by inhaler is known as a preventer. This is because it is taken regularly to reduce the inflammation in the lungs and prevent asthma attacks. Symptoms usually start to get better between three to seven days after starting treatment. However, it is important to continue using this medicine regularly, even after your asthma symptoms have improved, in order to prevent them coming back.

So in fact your husband has been given two different inhalers, one rescue and one preventer. Hope this helps?

Cheers, Mike (Chip) Chapman

Cornwall. UK

Subject: Rescue inhaler question

To: asthma Date: Tuesday, 29 November, 2011, 18:22

Does anyone use QVAR or Ventolin as a rescue inhaler? Any comments on these or on those you use or have tried?My husband, Bob, has been given samples of each by his primary care doctor. So far, Bob doesn't feel a difference in the two. Ventolin contains albuterol sulfate. He also uses an Ipratropium Bromide and Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution in his nebulizer.

He purchased the Ventolin; then the doctor gave him a sample of Qvar. Qvar is composed of beclomethasone dipropionate HFA.Sometimes it seems as if doctors in the USA hand out many samples, hoping to get feedback from their patients.

ThanksJudy K