What Is An Inhaler And How Do I Use It?
What Is An Inhaler?
An asthma inhaler can save a person’s life. Inhalers quickly open the airways letting the patient breathe normally.
Using an asthma inhaler is one of the most common ways to successfully avoid asthma attacks. Although there are other methods, none is as effective as asthma inhalers.
Asthma inhalers are easy to carry and can be easily administered during an attack.
There are different types of inhalers, each one with different effects over asthma.
The doctor will probably recommend using a corticosteroid and/or a bronchodilator after waking up and before going to bed for easier breathing.
Corticosteroids
A corticosteroid is a type of asthma inhaler that includes medicaments such as flovent. They act by keeping the bronchial tubes from closing up again after an attack.
This inhaler usually comes in a dry powder form and can be inhaled more rapidly than a metered dose inhaler.
Bronchodilators
These inhalers include metered-dosed brands such as albuterol, pirbutenol and advair.
These act by relaxing the bronchial muscles that cause the constriction of the bronchial tube when having an attack.
A bronchodilator inhaler should be used:
- During physical activity (to prevent an asthma attack)
- After you wake up
- Before going to bed
How To Use An Inhaler
Keep it always at hand. Make keeping it near by part of your lifestyle. You never know when you will need it.
When you start feeling out of breath follow these steps:
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth
- Push down on the tube, and at the same time breath in as quickly as you can
- Hold your breath for a few seconds, make sure the medicine gets in your lungs
- Let out a large breath of air
After one minute or so you should start to feeling more relaxed and able to breathe more normally.
Any person with asthma should know how to use an inhaler and understand which drug is used, and when to use it.
Your doctor is the only person authorized who can recommend what type of inhaler you need to control your condition. He will probably make sure you have instruction on how to use it. If you aren't sure ask. If you don't have a doctor ask around. Maybe even ask your health insurance agent, that would probably get you a few leads.
Remember that an asthma inhaler can save your life.