Asthma Inhaler

Asthma inhalers are a great aid for people who suffer from asthma.  Once hard to find, an asthma inhaler is now commonly found in pharmacies or drugstores, they provide patients immediate relief from the symptoms of this condition and can avoid an asthma attack.  This is why doctors prescribe it as a must-use aid if you want safety.

You can carry your asthma inhaler anywhere; they are small (about your palm’s size in most cases) and can be used anywhere.

In order to buy an inhaler, keep in mind that you must first talk with your doctor, most of the time these asthma inhalers are not sold without a prescription.  A doctor will also help you outline the treatment and will assist you at choosing the precise inhaler you need.

What Are the Types of Asthma Inhalers?

You will find two basic types: metered-dose inhalers and dry-powder inhalers.

Metered-dose Inhalers. They use chemical propellants to expel the medication.  You use it by squeezing the canister or direct inhalation. You need to press down the inhaler and inhale the medicine that comes out.

Dry-powder Inhalers.  They release the medication through rapid inhalation. Using this type of inhaler requires stronger inhalation.

Nebulizers.  Rather than another type of inhaler, nebulizers stand as an alternative.  Some people prefer to use them because they convert the medication into a fine mist to be inhaled through a mask.

Medications Used in an Asthma Inhaler

Medications used are bronchodilators, anti inflammatory or both.  Bronchodilators are used to ease the symptoms of asthma and widen the airways, they include: short-acting beta-agonists (albuterol, Alupent, Maxair, xonopex) and long-acting-beta-agonists (Serevent and Fodaril).

Anti inflammatory medications help preventing attacks by reducing mucus production and swelling in the airways, they include: corticosteroids (Asmanex, Flovent, Advair, Aerobid, Symbicort, Qvar) and cell stabilizers (Intal, Tilade).