4.27.2012

Guidelines in Selecting Your Asthma Inhaler

By Jet Hugher


Asthma inhalers are handy devices that deliver drugs to the lungs. Different types of inhalers are made available for adults and children with asthma to manage symptoms. It is essential that you choose the appropriate asthma inhaler to get the right dose of medication during an attack.

Available Types of Asthma Inhalers

Metered dose inhalers - This inhaler is composed of a pressurized container where the medicine is placed and a boot-shaped plastic nozzle that fits to the container. Usually, in MDI's the medicine is let out by pressing the tank. When the medicine is released, it must be inhaled right away. Other inhalers have counters that indicate how many doses are left. If there is no counter, you must remember how many doses you have already consumed to know if the inhaler already needs a refill.

Metered dose inhaler with a spacer - The use of a spacer in an asthma inhaler is to hold the medication after it has been released which makes it simpler for the patient to inhale the entire dose. With the medication on the separator, you will have more time to breathe and more medication will reach the lungs than the amount left at the back of the throat. There are asthma inhalers with a spacer while some have a separate splitter connected to the inhaler.

The Dry powder inhaler is a bit different from the previously mentioned types because in this one, the medication does not have to be pushed anymore but instead, the drug is directly inhaled through deep breathing. This type has sub-types which include the single dose disk inhaler, the powder disk inhaler, and the dry powder inhaler tube. The only thing you need to do is to take a deep breath on the inhaler and let the medication into your lungs which is very easy. It will not be right to blow into the inhaler before you inhale because it might cause the device to malfunction.

Nebulizers - Asthma medications pass through a tube down to the nozzle or mask. It is alright to breathe on a normal pace. Nebulizers are suitable for patients who cannot use MDI or DPI. It is most appropriate for young children and for those who have severe or acute asthma. It takes approximately 15 minutes to fully consume a dose of the medication.

Asthma Heath Reminders

Medications placed on asthma inhalers are sometimes prescribed for daily use even without experiencing symptoms. It is mainly given to maintain the healthy condition of the airways.

There are plenty of asthma inhalers out there but if you are having a hard time choosing the right one you can get an advice from your physician.

As mentioned, the types of asthma inhalers used to give medication to the lungs are metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and nebulizers.

Proper use of any asthma inhaler is essential for you to receive the right amount of inhaled medication and keep asthma under control.

In selecting the best asthma inhaler, you must ask the advice of your doctor and also see to it that it will work for the medications prescribed to you.




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