COPD & Emphysema Support Group

COPD is a progressive disease characterized by airflow obstruction or limitation. Emphysema is characterized by loss of elasticity of the lung tissue, destruction of structures supporting the alveoli and of capillaries feeding the alveoli. Both have symptoms that include shortness of breath, among other respiratory troubles. If you are a COPD or Emphysema sufferer, join...

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SoftFlower 10/29/2008

Hey guy this is interesting as some of you talked about your eyes bothering you.

Tips for inhaled Steroid Use
If you use an inhaled steroid, you should close your eyes before you press down on the MDI.( so the med. does not get into your eyes) Then, rinse and spit with water after taking the drug. Do not swallow the rinse water.
This has been shown to help reduce some side effects. This may include hoarseness or infections in the mouth and closing your eyes may help prevent eye problems.

Good Luck,
Love to all,
Holly

deleted_user 10/29/2008

Thanks Holly never thought of closing eyes. I always rinse and spit out as I have notice the voice box is affected sometimes.

I usually always eat a drink something after too, but that may not be a weight enhancer - nice though :O)

Sue825 10/29/2008

Thanks Holly. This is one reason why if you are using a nebulizer, that you use a spacer (an accordion shaped tube about 6 inches long) on the opposite end of the nebulizer. This keeps the meds away from your eyes. If you use a mask for your nebs, then make sure the mask fits well and the mist doesn't come out the top.

Regular eye exams every year or two are a must for us.

SoftFlower 10/29/2008

We learned about this in Rehab yesterday.
We were told that the steroid meds can cause glaucoma, and we need to protect our eyes when we use them and other meds too.
Sue is right about the spacer and the mask,

Protect your eyes from our meds...
Have a great evening!
Love Holly

deleted_user 10/30/2008

As you said, it is most important to rinse afterwards and gargle a little but do NOT swallow - just spit it out. It keeps thrush from developing - which certainly is no fun!

KyleesNan 10/30/2008

Just a Note: I went and had a thorough eye exam last week and told them my concern about the inhaled steroid and occasional oral steroid use. They told me they don't see many problems with oral or inhaled steroid use. The problems they do see are usually related to eye drops with steroids in them. My eyes were very healthy, no signs of glacoma, cataracts, or any other eye diseases but I've only been on the inhaler about 8 months.

deleted_user 10/30/2008

Thanks for the info.
I do rinse and spit, but never thought about closing my eyes. As I have narrow angle glaucoma and have had laser surgery on both eyes it was a great concern of mine. If I wanted to protect my eyes or wanted to breath.

Hugs Ev

SoftFlower 10/30/2008

Hey Guys.
The information about closing your eyes and rinsing your mouth with out swallowing comes from a magazine called "Breath Well", Healthy Living with COPD, its put out by the company that makes "Spiriva". I should have posted that before, sorry.

Hey have a Great Evening!
Love to all,
Holly

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