Public Address | Cafe | Access: The Blue Inhaler https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/ en-us Copyright (c) 2026 Public Address Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=356064#post356064 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=356064#post356064 asthma and the ventolin inhaher ]]> Sat, 13 Feb 2016 14:05:42 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=355026#post355026 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=355026#post355026 tangential bureaucracy

I read that, and all I could think of for a while was one of the more off the wall Monty Python sketches.

Then I got really, really angry.

Petty fucking bureaucrats.

Please God, let there be a particularly warm place in hell for them.

]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2016 22:54:43 +1300 Sacha https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=355023#post355023 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=355023#post355023 tangential bureaucracy ]]> Thu, 28 Jan 2016 22:28:52 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354966#post354966 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354966#post354966 (Even more tangentially: I have been tutted at for having brought my own [non-asthma] medications with me when being admitted to hospital, and made to promise not to use them. One is supposed to rely on the nurses to administer everything at the correct intervals and dosages and to note… ]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2016 22:54:09 +1300 walrus https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354962#post354962 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354962#post354962 No mention that anyone is considering having words with, let alone disciplining, the teacher, of course...

Are people these days not able to recognise a medical emergency, or to round up to medical emergency if they're not sure? I could understand the teacher stopping to PHONE the nurse, but email??…

]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2016 16:54:25 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354959#post354959 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354959#post354959 And folks, here's one from the "only in America" file...

http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/americas/76241578/Texas-teen-suspended-after-rescuing-classmate-suffering-an-asthma-attack

]]> Tue, 26 Jan 2016 13:39:31 +1300 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354956#post354956 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354956#post354956 ...if the proponents of buteyko are claiming to be able to 'cure' anything it is the bad habit of mouth breathing.
They'll be getting no support from the Trump/Palin camp then.

]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2016 22:32:29 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354953#post354953 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354953#post354953 From what I'm reading, and from the website, if the proponents of buteyko are claiming to be able to 'cure' anything it is the bad habit of mouth breathing.

And if the testimonials are genuine, this re training has been life changing for some.

Also....it is really difficult trying to…

]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2016 15:57:09 +1300 Brodie Davis https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354952#post354952 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354952#post354952 I found this PDF, which would suggest they have at least been talking about it since 2012.

http://asthmafoundation.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Whatis_Buteyko.pdf
(the copyright in this is 2010).

Another thing is that they may need to tune their advise to the lowest common denominator (ie someone who won't do the techniques correctly no matter…

]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2016 14:40:11 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354948#post354948 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354948#post354948 Wonder if any of them mention buteyko?

A very quick google search would suggest that around the world various asthma societies are warming to Buteyko. More interesting is recent research that seems to indicate that "dysfunctional breathing" is common in those with asthma and that retraining can reduce the need…

]]> Mon, 25 Jan 2016 12:08:10 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354947#post354947 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354947#post354947 Mon, 25 Jan 2016 11:38:08 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354940#post354940 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354940#post354940 BBT unequivocally does not work by the mechanism originally claimed for it. Nevertheless, many people using it report some benefit. This suggests that the main mechanism of operation may be as a placebo.
Happily,
(i) asthma is a condition exacerbated by stress, and so it may be expected to respond…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 19:50:17 +1300 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354936#post354936 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354936#post354936 To be fair that price covered a lot of sessions and phone support for life
Which makes me wonder about the method's limitations. For example, it might be overly complex for someone with a cognitive disability. Having done the parental mercy dash to school camp with forgotten medication more than…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 18:18:46 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354935#post354935 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354935#post354935 Sun, 24 Jan 2016 17:23:44 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354934#post354934 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354934#post354934 the teach a man to fish analogy seems a bit of a stretch.
self taut?

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 13:43:16 +1300 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354933#post354933 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354933#post354933 Teach a person to manage or tune their breathing
and they've a tool always on hand to use...
perhaps not in all situations or for all people, but...

Perhaps there's something inherent in the Buteyko technique that prevents it being made widely available at minimal cost, much as the Hollows…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 12:50:55 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354931#post354931 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354931#post354931 Teach a person to manage or tune their breathing
and they’ve a tool always on hand to use…
perhaps not in all situations or for all people, but…

I'm trying not to but in but....this makes me think about "natural childbirth", which led to thinking about the Lamaze program that…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 11:16:42 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354930#post354930 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354930#post354930 a bit pot/kettle
isn't there an angle along the lines of:

Give a person an inhaler and they'll
manage symptoms for as long supplies
– and suppliers – and cash last.

Teach a person to manage or tune their breathing
and they've a tool always on hand to use...
perhaps…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 11:01:17 +1300 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354926#post354926 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354926#post354926 I paid several hundred dollars for the course($300-$500? I forget?) about 18 or 20 years ago… While it seemed expensive at the time, I think I’ve reaped enough benefit that I don’t begrudge it… but I’m not sure I would “recommend” it…

Thanks FletcherB. When This is What Big Pharma…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 08:28:07 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354925#post354925 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354925#post354925 Surely there’s room there to give information...
...in a sane universe perhaps, all information would be available for people to make choices – but where there are organisations,there are committees – which for good or bad means a diversity of opinion, usually resulting in people covering their asses as well…

]]> Sun, 24 Jan 2016 05:54:08 +1300 Gray Kirkbride https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354922#post354922 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354922#post354922 Sat, 23 Jan 2016 14:51:36 +1300 FletcherB https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354903#post354903 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354903#post354903 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 22:53:42 +1300 FletcherB https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354902#post354902 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354902#post354902 As I’ve already posted about the drugs I take and how long I’ve been on them (since mid/late 1970’s)…

I also have done a Buteyko breathing course here in NZ…. after being encouraged to investigate it locally after family members saw a 60-minutes (or similar?) 20-minute segment on it on…

]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2016 22:29:12 +1300 Harry Musgrave https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354894#post354894 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354894#post354894 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 17:40:40 +1300 Lucy Telfar Barnard https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354882#post354882 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354882#post354882 Why is that?
I'm not the Asthma Foundation, and I'm a public health epidemiologist rather than a medically trained respiratory specialist, so I don't know sorry. But if you ask them, they may tell you. I would guess the answer is something like "we don't want people to underestimate the…

]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:53:29 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354869#post354869 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354869#post354869 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:41:07 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354868#post354868 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354868#post354868 But don’t assign impure motives to people who must, ethically, prefer research study evidence to your personal, non-controlled, non-blinded, sample of one.

I didn't see Gray as being rude....more pointing out the facts.

There is no doubt that drugs are keeping some asthmatics alive, and enabling many more to function…

]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2016 11:15:09 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354865#post354865 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354865#post354865 and my daily asthma drug cocktail now consists of Symbicort, Flixonase & Lorafix. It’s best not to wonder too much about any long term negative consequences of this intake of pharmaceuticals!

....and a search for published research into long term effects of beta agonists and corticosteroids is proving difficult because my…

]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2016 10:40:00 +1300 Lucy Telfar Barnard https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354861#post354861 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354861#post354861 So after a while I started to wonder why this Buteyko breathing method isn’t officially and vigorously promoted as a viable therapy by the NZ Asthma Foundation. It was then that I realised why – when I was on asthma medication I worked out it was costing the taxpayer $3000… ]]> Fri, 22 Jan 2016 09:56:29 +1300 Chris Waugh https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354856#post354856 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354856#post354856 Fri, 22 Jan 2016 06:28:04 +1300 Thomas Lumley https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354855#post354855 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354855#post354855 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 22:33:43 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354851#post354851 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354851#post354851 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:43:00 +1300 Gray Kirkbride https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354850#post354850 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354850#post354850 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 21:31:57 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354846#post354846 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354846#post354846 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 18:17:51 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354845#post354845 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354845#post354845 The theories of overbreathing and consequent lack of sufficient carbon dioxide in the breath seemed plausible […though] the promise of getting rid of your inhaler and curing your asthma with Buteyko was overselling it.
It appears the former statement is dubious, and the latter more on the mark.
Money quotes…

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:54:36 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354842#post354842 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354842#post354842 Oh, yes.

One technique we used some thirty years ago with panicky and very young asthmatics was to get them to blow. A long slow blow up a balloon blow. Blow this piece of paper out of my hand blow. Then breathe in slowly.

In two three four five, hold…

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:25:44 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354841#post354841 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354841#post354841 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:17:58 +1300 Thrash Cardiom https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354840#post354840 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354840#post354840 https://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/buteyko-breathing-technique-nothing-to-hyperventilate-about/ ]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 17:00:16 +1300 Gray Kirkbride https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354833#post354833 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354833#post354833 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:16:15 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354831#post354831 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354831#post354831 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 15:07:19 +1300 linger https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354829#post354829 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354829#post354829 Huffington Post to Sean Gallagher, an animation designer with Telegael Studios in Ireland ]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:38:53 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354826#post354826 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354826#post354826 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 14:22:59 +1300 dave stewart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354824#post354824 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354824#post354824 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 13:51:38 +1300 dave stewart https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354823#post354823 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354823#post354823 I too have inhaled a whole arsenal of asthma drugs: intal, berotec, beconase, becotide, flixonase, flixotide, ventolin, serotide, symbicort, salamol are the ones I remember.
My earliest memories of asthma are being yelled at for being lazy in PE at primary school as an 8 year old when in fact…

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 13:43:13 +1300 Joe Wylie https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354814#post354814 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354814#post354814 Vlad the Inhaler

Love it – wild applause!!!
A fine thing you've uploaded there Hilary Stace :)

Also, a rarely performed NZ play that I regret not having seen back when I had the chance. Notable because, apart from a nice Barry Linton poster for it's initial, and probably only,…

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:52:56 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354812#post354812 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354812#post354812 Vlad the Inhaler
Love it – wild applause!!!

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:09:27 +1300 Ian Dalziel https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354811#post354811 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354811#post354811 I have used a Ventoline inhaler to help resuscitate somebody from the music industry,
was it one of these?
;- )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fXzwFMDa9tc
another fine Ripper release.

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:08:35 +1300 Kimberley Verburg https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354810#post354810 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354810#post354810 As kids we used to be fascinated by our classmates' trick of breaking a capsule in an inhaler and taking a puff. I never got one of those but worked my way through a "regular" puffer, diskhaler and turbuhalers.

All the doctors I've seen outside of NZ always want to…

]]> Thu, 21 Jan 2016 10:01:59 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354807#post354807 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354807#post354807 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 08:00:33 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354806#post354806 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354806#post354806 Thu, 21 Jan 2016 07:54:07 +1300 FletcherB https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354799#post354799 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354799#post354799 I was diagnosed around age 7 or so in the mid ’70’s and had Ventolin blue Inhaler (releiver) and,"Intal” in the “Spinhaler” preventer, which is the one Russell described. (pierce the capsule, small propeller inside, no propellant).

I got moved off the aerosol propellant Ventolin and changed to the “Diskhaler”…

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:32:52 +1300 FletcherB https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354798#post354798 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354798#post354798 .I often wondered…..does fear of an attack sometimes exacerbate the condition?

I’m sure of it….

I could go whole days without needing a puff of Ventolin, but I’ve always (intended to) have an inhaler in my pocket or very close by on a continuous basis…. And on many occasions in…

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 23:16:08 +1300 Thrash Cardiom https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354789#post354789 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354789#post354789 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 19:24:14 +1300 Pete Sime https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354782#post354782 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354782#post354782 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 16:52:10 +1300 Hilary Stace https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354777#post354777 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354777#post354777 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 15:59:56 +1300 Lucy Telfar Barnard https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354773#post354773 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354773#post354773 And a good thing you had ventolin and not fenoterol (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2565417). If you ever get the chance to hear him tell it, Julian Crane’s tale of that study and the threats he received from the pharmaceutical industry over its findings is a good listen.
ETA I see wasabicube did get…

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 15:47:49 +1300 Rosemary McDonald https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354772#post354772 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354772#post354772 I was prescribed the generic version,

One of our wee foster children used to get asthma only when he had a cold. The first attack he had we went from the after hours clinic and a nebuliser, to a rushed run up to A&E in matter of fifteen minutes. The nebuliser…

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 15:43:53 +1300 chris https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354751#post354751 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354751#post354751 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 12:11:58 +1300 wasabicube https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354750#post354750 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354750#post354750 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 12:00:07 +1300 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354748#post354748 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354748#post354748 Here's an intriguing example of the ubiquity of the blue inhaler. Looks like a Ventolin-equivalent generic, right?

It's actually the PuFFIT weed vapouriser, for people who might wish to get high in public with attracting undue attention. Available for $249 locally.

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:52:19 +1300 Chris Waugh https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354747#post354747 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354747#post354747 Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:46:44 +1300 Russell Brown https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354746#post354746 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354746#post354746 I had bronchial issues for most of my childhood, so I, too, was a Ventolin kid.

That and the one with a propeller mechanism – you put in a capsule of some medicated powder, pulled the sleeve to crack the capsule and inhaled the powder. It was less fun than…

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:46:34 +1300 Public Address https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354745#post354745 https://publicaddress.net/system/cafe/access-the-blue-inhaler/?p=354745#post354745 Discussion from blog post.

]]> Wed, 20 Jan 2016 11:46:33 +1300