Asthma Inhalers

Inhalers have completely changed the way doctors treat asthma. Just about anytime or anywhere an attack happens, an asthma inhaler can deliver medicine directly to the lungs. Portable, easy to use and commonly accepted, inhalers are a key to independence for many asthma sufferers.

While there are other parts to a successful asthma treatment plan, asthma inhalers are the part that often makes it possible for those who have asthma to engage in regular daily activities - including sports and other activities - without fear. That's why knowing what type of inhalers you can use and how to use them properly is so essential in making sure you manage your asthma instead of your asthma managing you.

Asthma inhalers are portable, usually hand-held devices used to deliver medication directly to the lungs. There are two kind of inhalers:

Metered-dose inhalers. A metered dose asthma inhaler delivers medication by means of a chemical propellant - such as a fluorocarbon. Usually, the medications are released by pressing the inhaler canister into a base - similar to a spray can. As the name implies - it delivers a metered, or measured dose.

Dry powder inhalers. With the concerns about fluorocarbons and chemicals damaging the atmosphere, manufacturers have come up with altelrnatives to delivering medication through inhalers. In a dry powder inhaler, the medication is delivered in a powder form rather than a fine mist.

Types of Medications In Asthma Inhalers

Short-acting bronchodilators. Often called 'rescue inhalers', short-acting bronchodilators relieve asthma symptoms immediately in emergency situations. They do this by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. The effects last 4-8 hours. The medications include albuterol and pirbuterol.

Long-acting bronchodilators. Salmeterol and formoterol are also bronchodilators, but the effects are longer lasting. Long-acting bronchodilators are NOT for use in an emergency situation. Instead, they are used to relax bronchial muscles over long periods as treatment for chronic problems.

Corticosteroids. Inhaled corticosteroids are used as a long-term preventative medication. They work by reducing the underlying bronchial and pulmonary inflammation. Most are prescribed for use once or twice a day on an ongoing basis.

Cromolyn or nedocromil are nonsteroid medications are used to prevent and manage inflammation over the long term.

Corticosteroid + long-acting bronchodilator. This medication combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (Advair).

How To Use Asthma Inhalers

Your doctor may give you slightly different instructions for using the asthma inhaler prescribed for you, but in general, the instructions for using an asthma inhaler depend on which type of inhaler it is.

A metered dose inhaler comes in a pressurized canister. When you press down on the top of the canister, one measured dose of medication is converted into a fine mist. To use the metered dose inhaler, hold it in front of your mouth or against your lips and be ready to inhale. You must be able to inhale and press down on the canister at the same time. This can be difficult for young children, who often are prescribed an asthma inhaler with a spacer or a face mask to make it easier for them to use.

When you use a dry powder inhaler, you don't need to coordinate your breath with the delivery of the medication. Instead, you put your lips on the mouthpiece and take a sharp, deep breath to pull in a single dose of the powdered medication. Dry powder asthma inhalers are available in several different types.

 At A Glance

• Portable, easy to use and commonly accepted, inhalers are a key to independence for many asthma sufferers.
• There are two kind of inhalers: metered-dose inhalers (which deliver medication by means of a chemical propellant - such as a fluorocarbon) and dry powder inhalers (which delivers medication in a powder form rather than a fine mist).
• Short-acting bronchodilators relieve asthma symptoms immediately in emergency situations.