ancientgirl, I was also reccomended the spacer (and bought one) to ensure I got the meds from my inhaler. The respiratory therapist I saw told me if you could taste the meds then u were taking it wrong (and I did, hence he told me to use a spacer).
Also, I don't know about the scientific basis of this, but I was told (and read online) that honey is considered a natural reliever of asthma. Back in september I had a really bad asthma flare-up with constant coughing phlegm etc, and was supposed to go to my best friend's brothers wedding. Her mother saw the state I was in ( hi cough auntie..cough cough..hack hack) and made honey lemon tea for me which I drank on the way there (she thought I was just sick) and I actually didn't cough alll night! Made me feel sooooo much better that now I always take honey with my tea when I feel a little tight in the chest. Try it out, maybe it will help you
