Living with the Side Effects of Advair

I started getting tired easily, and short of breath with the slightest exertion. I started to notice these symptoms after a bout of the flu, so I didn't pay much attention at first, but the symptoms continued, so I made an appointment with my doctor.

After listening to my breathing she told me that I had COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. In other words; I have emphysema with chronic bronchitis. She then informed me that I of course needed to stop smoking, and that I would need to be on inhalers the rest of my life, if I wanted to maintain an active lifestyle.

My first course of treatment was Combivent. After taking it I instantly had more energy, and could breathe much easier, but upon inhaling it I would cough extremely hard for about 30 seconds to a minute. This would in turn sometimes make me throw-up and/or give me a severe headache. It was after about a week my doctor told me to try Advair.

My doctor told me that the side effects of Advair could be dizziness, headaches, nausea, nervousness or throat irritation. Sure enough I had all of these side effects when I first started taking Advair, but at least I wasn't coughing so hard.

When I take Advair, and I get:

Dizzy - I just sit and relax, and do some deep-breathing. The dizziness usually lasts about 15 - 20 minutes, then I can get up and do my normal activities.

Headaches - I haven't gotten too many headaches, but when I do, my doctor said it was okay to take a couple of Ibuprofen. It works for me.

Throat Irritation - this has been the one side effect that I have the most. I have found though, that if I moisten my throat and mouth before using the inhaler, I don't have as much of a problem; so I always try to take a drink or two of water before using.

I did learn that if I used my Advair too late in the afternoon, I couldn't go to sleep that night. I was too wired. I talked to my doctor about it and now, if by chance that I forget, or don't have my Advair with me to take at 3:00 p.m., then I don't take it. I realize that it is not good to go without my medicine, but it is not good, to not be able to sleep either.

All in all, I like taking Advair. It has given me back, the ability to do active things.