Hi Michelle,

Here in the UK Ventolin is still prescribed, but I have the dry powder
form and the vials for the nebuliser. I stopped using the gas propellant
inhalers when they switched over to the ozone friendly propellant, as it
seemed to make my chest tighter.

Perhaps this is why your allergist has said this.

You may want to switch over to the dry powder Ventolin inhaler, or use a
generic brand of pressurised salbutamol inhaler.

Remember though, salbutamol can only be used as a symptom reliever, not
as a way of reducing the inflammation in your airways. Only continued
use of inhaled steroids such as Becotide (beclomethesone), or Seretide
(fluticasone propionate & salmetrol) can do this.

Your Advair may be one of these forms of steroid.

Try to prevent over reliance of your reliever, not only is it a sign
that your steroid is becoming less effective, or that your condition is
getting worse (both of which mean that you should have your steroid
changed or dosage increased), but it also means that the symptom
reliever (salbutamol) will become less effective.

I hope this helps.

Mark