Asthma Inhalers

Those who suffer from asthma will know how greatly inhalers have changed the treatment of the disease.  Inhalers are a convenient way for sufferers of this disease to get medicine into their lungs quickly when an attack occurs.  There are many different types of inhalers available to assist in relief or control of asthma symptoms.  The two most common types include the meter dose inhalers and dry powder inhalers.

Obviously, use of an inhaler is only one part of treating this disease.  Other treatments include checking lung function with a peak flow meter, reducing or eliminating any possible triggers and proper diet and exercise.  However, the inhaler is key in treating the disease and knowing what inhalers are on the market and how to properly use them is crucial.

Without proper inhalers asthma sufferers would be unable to lead healthy normal lives.  They would live in constant fear of an asthma attack so severe it could easily be fatal.  Here is a list of inhalers and a few tips on proper use of each kind.

Varieties of Inhalers

Medicine is driven directly into the lungs by an inhaler.  It is a hand held portable device, making it an important key in treating sudden asthma attacks because it can be used anywhere.  No one really knows when asthma symptoms will flare up so it is important that those who suffer the disease always be certain they carry an inhaler.  There are a great number of different inhalers on the market today.  However, they fall into two basic categories:

Dry Powder inhalers do not use any type of chemical to push the medication out of the inhaler.  They work purely from the quick inhalation of breath, unlike a traditional inhaler.  To use a dry powder inhaler place your lips on the mouthpiece and inhale rapidly.  Many users find this type of inhaler easier to use than a meter-dose inhaler because they do not require as much coordination.  They can be found in dry powder tube inhalers, disk inhalers and single dose dry powder disk inhalers.  Spacers are not used with dry powder inhalers.

Metered-dose inhalers use a type of chemical to propel or push the medication into the lungs of the user.  This medication is released either by squeezing the canister or direct inhalation. This type of inhaler has a pressurized canister with a measured dose of medication inside.  When the canister is squeezed the medication is converted into a mist.  It should be noted that not all metered-dose inhalers require a user to squeeze the canister.  To use this inhaler place your lips on or near the mouthpiece and inhale the mist.  If there is a pressurized canister you must squeeze the canister and inhale the medication at the same time.  This is made easier with a spacer or a short tube that attaches to the inhaler.  The spacer is basically a holding chamber that doesn't allow the medication to escape into the air.  This gives the user more time to inhale the medication and also decreases the amount of medication that remains in the back of the throat rather than going into the lungs.

Medications delivered through inhalers

Inhalers provide a variety of different medications for asthma.  Inhalers are used for long-term control while others are used for short-term control such as in the case of an asthma attack.

The importance of proper use of an inhaler

The inhaler is possibly one of the most important tools in the life of an asthma sufferer because they are portable and they provide nearly immediate relief.  However, it is critical to ensure the inhaler is properly used for the medication to work as it should.

Many people find it difficult to take asthma medication regularly, especially medicines which are used for long term health.  While these medications often don't provide any immediate relief they will alleviate asthma problems later on.  Improper use of long term asthma medications can lead to the asthma sufferer becoming to reliant on inhaled bronchodilators.  While these dilators can quickly relieve symptoms, they are not an adequate substitute for long term medication.

Proper use of an inhaler is also important because when they are used improperly the medicine will not reach the lungs.  Be certain to carefully follow any instructions, and if you are uncertain on how to use the medication ask a doctor, or other health care provider for a demonstration.  Another good idea is to show a medical professional how you use the medication with a demonstration and ask if you are doing anything incorrectly.  Those who are having problems getting used to using the inhaler should practice in front of a mirror until they feel comfortable.

People who cannot use an inhaler should look into a nebulizer.  These are designed specifically for those who cannot use an inhaler such as infants, children and those who are very ill.  This device works by changing medication into a mist and delivering it through a mask worn over the nose and  mouth area, much like an oxygen mask.