Asthma Inhaler - Types And Uses
For a person suffering from asthma, inhalers are unavoidable. They are the best first aid that can be provided to the person during severe asthma attack. It is better to have a complete knowledge about the working of asthma inhaler. However, inhalers may have somewhat different instructions. You should follow those instructions and always ask your doctor for a demonstration.
Metered Dose Inhalers
These types of inhalers comprise a pressurized canister with medication inside it in measured doses. Medication inside the canister is transformed into a fine water mist on squeezing the top of the canister. There are some metered dose inhalers that are breath actuated. In these kinds of inhalers, you are not needed to squeeze the inhaler, rather just keep your lips on or close to the mouthpiece of inhaler and inhale the mist.
If you are using metered-dose inhaler having a pressurized canister, then there must be coordination between your two actions. One is squeezing the canister and another is inhaling the medication. It will be, however, easy to do it with a spacer. It is a short tube that is used to attach the inhaler. It retains the medication from escaping into the air. Since the medication is released into the chamber, it provides the sufferer with the time to inhale more gradually. Due to this, medication that is deposited on the back of your throat is reduced and the amount that is received by your lungs is increased.
Dry Powder Inhalers
In these types of inhalers, you will require to place your lips on the mouthpiece and inhale speedily opposite to metered-dose inhaler, where you need to inhale slowly. It is considered more convenient to use compared to pressurized metered-dose inhalers, as you do not need any hand and lung coordination. However, it is not possible to use spacers with dry powder inhalers.
The importance of inhalers in the lives of asthma sufferer cannot be overlooked. Inhalers have enabled the asthma sufferers to lead an active life without fear of an attack. But it is very important to use inhalers in a proper manner so that medication can be more effective.
Other than the medications prescribed by your doctors, you should also use inhaler properly so that medications reaches to your lungs. Be sure that you are following the instructions and have a demonstration of its usage by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist. However, still if you are not able to use the inhaler, you can nebulizers, which are specifically designed for those who cannot use inhaler.
By Health Editor
