Continuing in our “Active Asthma Does You Damage” education – let’s have a closer look at the “relief” drugs.
Don’t get me wrong, I love Ventolin. It was my saviour for about 20 years – until I did not need it anymore. But is it “safe”? Really?
One of the things you may not know is that drug molecules often come with variations. These are “chiral” – and the component elements are the same (eg same formula), but it is mirrored.
And in Ventolin (salbutamol), you are given a 50/50 mix of “R-salbutamol” and it’s mirror “S-salbutamol”. Each has the same formula – but is “flipped over” of the other.
- One of these is responsible for the GOOD effect of this drug.
- The other is TOXIC. “R” is the good stuff (maybe).
- “S” is for NASTY. Not only is the S ineffective at treating asthma symptoms, it is toxic, and it stays in your body much longer than the nicer “R” molecule.
- If you have a bad attack – and have repeated doses of salbutamol – more and more the nasty “S” builds up – and gives you immediate symptoms of tremor, chest pain and nervousness.
The other relief drugs (Isoprenaline (duo-medihaler), terbutaline (bricanyl) are also NASTY in the “S” forms.
When you buy these drugs – you 50/50 of the R and S versions.
And – when eventually you will be able to buy JUST the less-toxic version (“R”) – the total dose needed for symptom relief will be halved. They will take out the nastier stuff…
Right now, Ventolin (Salbutamol) is sold as a mixture of the two. Bet you didn’t know that…
Why is it still sold as a mix?
Good question. But what can you do to reduce your need for this and drugs like it? In published Clinical Trials, asthmatics learning Buteyko Breathing were able to reduce their symptoms and need for relief meds (eg Ventolin) by an AVERAGE of 90%.
Contact me for details.
James
Ps the link below is to a study on the R and S forms of Ventolin. It will download a pdf.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260015420_An_aerosol_formulation_of_R-salbutamol_sulfate_for_pulmonary_inhalation/fulltext/53d10bc20cf2f7e53cfbc2ae/260015420_An_aerosol_formulation_of_R-salbutamol_sulfate_for_pulmonary_inhalation.pdf?origin=publication_detail
