Spiriva Respimat is a steroid-free inhaler medication commonly prescribed to people suffering with breathing difficulties caused by asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Spiriva has an oral administration that delivers a gentle mist that makes it easy to inhale and will provide 24 hours of relief.

The active ingredient in Spiriva Respimat is tiotropium bromide, a class of medications known as bronchodilators. A bronchodilator inhaler is used to treat long-term respiratory disorders and work by relaxing the muscles in the lungs to make it easier to breathe.

Spiriva is a preventer inhaler, meaning you use it on a regular basis to prevent the symptoms of COPD and asthma. The longer you use Spiriva, the less persistent and severe your symptoms will be.

What is COPD?

COPD is a chronic respiratory disorder that makes it difficult for your lungs to get enough airflow and causes damage and inflammation to the lungs. The two most common conditions that lead to COPD are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It’s possible to have both conditions at the same time.

●Emphysema: Emphysema is a lung condition that causes shortness of breath because the air sacs in the lungs have been irreversibly damaged. As a result of this damage, the air sacs burst and reduce the surface area of the lungs. This makes it harder to breathe and reduces the amount of oxygen that reaches your bloodstream.

●Chronic Bronchitis: Chronic bronchitis is a long-term inflammation of the airways (bronchi). Bronchitis is classified as chronic when the symptoms persist for at least 2 years in a row.

The symptoms of COPD will progressively get worse over time and there’s no cure, but you can treat the symptoms effectively with medications like Spiriva Inhalers. With the right treatment, you can manage your COPD and have a better quality of life. 

Symptoms of COPD include:

●     Wheezing

●     Chest tightness

●     Shortness of breath, especially when active

●     Persistent chesty coughs

●     Frequent chest infections

COPD is most often caused by smoking, but it is possible to get the condition even if you’ve never smoked. This may be due to genetics or through extended exposure to toxins or other harmful substances that can damage the lungs.

Using Spiriva Respimat Inhalers

Before starting any medication, consult with your GP or pharmacist on how you should use it. All medications also come with patient leaflets with further information.

The Spiriva Respimat inhaler releases a 2.5mcg dose with each puff. Most adults will be advised to take two puffs once per day.

To prepare the inhaler for use, you should:

●  Remove the clear base from your inhaler

●  Insert a cartridge into the device

●  Put the bottom of the inhaler onto a flat surface and gently press down until it clicks

●  Replace the clear base

After your inhaler is prepared:

●     Turn the base in the direction of the arrows on it

●     Push up on the opening tab

●     Exhale to clear the lungs

●     Put your lips around the mouthpiece, being careful to not cover the air vents

●     Aim the inhaler toward the back of your throat

●     Press down on the dose-release button while inhaling deeply through your mouth

●     Hold your breath for as long as you can, ideally 10 seconds

Spiriva Respimat Side Effects

Every medication, even over-the-counter medications, can cause side effects in some people. Everyone is different, but there are some commonly reported side effects among patients using Spiriva.

●     Dry mouth

●     Dizziness

●     Headache

●     Sore throat

●     Cough

●     Nausea

Spiriva Respimat Inhaler Precautions
If your symptoms don’t get better after taking this medication for a few months or if your symptoms start to worry you, speak to your pharmacist or GP. You should stop taking this medication and immediately seek medical help if you experience any chest tightness or pain or if you show signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash, facial swelling, or trouble breathing.

You should only use this medication if you have been advised to do so by a healthcare professional. It’s only recommended for the treatment of COPD or asthma and shouldn't be taken for any other reason.

People who are allergic to this medication or who have a sensitivity to lactose monohydrate or atropine should not take Spiriva. Women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding should speak with their doctor first before starting Spiriva. Those with narrow-angle glaucoma may experience vision problems because Spiriva can increase the pressure in your eyes, causing blurred vision and eye pain.

Additionally, people with the following conditions are not advised to use Spiriva unless a doctor deems it safe:

●     Prostate disorders

●     Difficulty passing urine

●     Renal problems

●     Heart conditions

Lifestyle Changes for COPD
In addition to using Spiriva Respimat 2.5mcg inhalers, you should make some changes to your lifestyle and habits to keep your lungs as strong as possible. The first thing you should do is quit smoking if you are a smoker. This will greatly slow down the progression of COPD.

●     Exercise as much as possible without over-exerting yourself. Regular physical activity improves blood flow and helps oxygen get into your blood.

●     Breathing exercises can improve your chest muscles and reduce your COPD symptoms.

●     Avoid extreme temperatures and high altitudes where there is less oxygen.

●     Limit your exposure to harmful irritants like pollution, chemicals, and cigarette smoke.

●     Because people with COPD are more likely to develop chest infections and catch respiratory viruses, wear a mask when you are out in public or around large groups of people.

Buying a Spiriva Inhaler Online in the UK
If you have COPD or asthma and have been advised to use Spiriva Respimat 2.5mcg, visit Pharmacy Planet. We are one of the UK’s leading online pharmacies and stock a wide range of medications that we will have delivered hassle-free right to your door.

To find out more about how to buy Spiriva Inhalers online or what Spiriva Respimat and Refill Cartridges cost in the UK, visit our website or contact us. We can help you start breathing better and improve your quality of life