How come my albuterol is not working when...

[Kyut]

...I'm under - asthma attack?

[LadyDeathStryke]

You may need to have your doctor increase the dosage or change to a different medication.

[Real_Pizza_man]

You must get a hold of the on call doctor! If your inhaler isn't working your doctor may want you on prednisone to help open up your airway. But get off the computer and call your doctor! If you are under 18 tell your parent or guardian and have them call! but this is serious!

[spiegy2000]

I use salbutamol (blue reliever). If I am having a bad asthma attack, I find it works for 30 minutes, then I have to go again, this gradually get worse, and I end up seeking help then onto steroids (predinsolone).I did go to a Buteyko practitioner, (£300.00 for the course). They believe that too much oxygen causes asthma attacks. Your body tried to stop too much oxygen coming in under attack, by narrowing the airways.You puff on the blue, to open them up agains, the body counters by closing up once more. The more blue you use, the more your body closes up - catch 22.I did find the course helped immensely, also the Alexander technique is supposed to help. Do you normally breathe through your mouth?Buteyko beleive that ALL asthmatics breath through their mouth (I do by habit), they teach you to breath properly through your nose.Try looking up Buteyko on the web.Meantime - follow all the above advice, see your doctor. If you are having a bad attack - ring 999.

[intrepid18]

Could be a number of reasons. Your albuterol inhaler could be losing its effectiveness. The inhaler could be expired or you are near the end of the puffs. Also, I've experienced that albuterol does not work sometimes when I have mucus and/or have a cold. You need to loosen up your mucus...try warm water. Another option is using a nebulizer if you have one...it is much stronger than your rescue inhaler. If all of this does not work, you should see your doctor or ER if it is severe.