Asthma Inhalers and their Uses

Asthma inhalers have changed the way of treating the patients affected with asthma. Due to its easy usage, children and adults can use the inhaler at any place and anytime. Moreover, the medicine reaches the lungs directly, and therefore is effective immediately. The different types of asthma inhalers can be used to relieve and control the asthmatic attack. Metered-dose and dry powder asthma inhalers are the two common types.

Asthma Treatment using Asthma Inhalers

Utilizing the asthma inhaler is but a part of the treatment plan. Checking the lung function with the help of a peak flow meter is required along with getting rid of asthma triggers. It is important to know about the availability and the usage of asthma inhalers will help one manage asthma, and thereby get the best from the available treatment plan. The metered-dose inhaler uses a propellant to get the medication out of the inhaler. It requires bit of squeezing, or direct inhalation. The dry powder inhalers do not contain chemical propellants to force out the medication from the inhaler but rather release when inhaled. These are faster than the metered-dose inhaler.

The asthma inhalers provide the asthma patient with different medications. Some of these medications provide long-term relief, while others provide instant relief. Inhaled asthma medications include: short-acting bronchodilators, long acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids, cromolyn or nedocromil and corticosteroids plus long-acting bronchodilators.

The metered-dose inhalers basically work when the pressurized canister is squeezed at the top. This causes a fine mist to be released. Other metered-dose inhalers do not require squeezing because they are breath actuated. One may place one’s lips on or near the mouthpiece of the inhaler to inhale the mist.

Often, dry powder asthma inhalers are considered easier to use than the metered-dose inhaler, as it does not need hand-lung co-ordination. To use the dry powder inhaler, one should place the lips on the mouthpiece and inhale faster. One can use any type of inhaler; however, he/she should make sure to use it properly for it to work more effectively. It is observed that asthma patients, who undergo treatment with corticosteroids regularly, experience difficulty.

February 21 2007 03:03 pm Del.icio.us Digg Furl