The Asthma Inhaler - Protecting You

An asthma inhaler has become the safety net for asthma sufferers worldwide. Asthma affects over 300 million people around the world and make no mistake, it can cause death.

An asthma inhaler is a medication effective in treating the symptoms of asthma. They are a part of a treatment plan for sufferers which enables metered doses of medicine to be administered safely and effectively.There are a number of inhalers available and they basically come under two main categories. Let's take a look at two of the more familiar types of inhalers.

Bronchodilators - Short And Long Acting

This type of asthma inhaler includes metered-dosed brands such as albuterol pirbuterol, and advair. When having an asthma attack, the muscles in your bronchial tubes constrict, making it difficult to breathe. A bronchodilator will relax the bronchial muscles so they open up. An albuterol or pirbuterol inhaler is used for quick relief. It's common for sufferers to use this before physical activity to prevent an attack, as well as before bed and when you wake up.

Corticosteroids - For Long Term Relief

For longer term relief, doctors will usually recommend the use of an asthma inhaler called a corticosteroid. While a bronchodilator opens the bronchial tubes, a corticosteroid such as flovent will keep them from closing again. This inhaler usually comes in a dry powder form, and can be inhaled more rapidly than a metered dose inhaler. Your doctor will recommend you use both the bronchodilator and corticosteroid once in the morning and once at night for easier breathing.

Proper Use Of An Asthma Inhaler

It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on the proper use of inhalers. It may become easy just to use the bronchodilator rather than the corticosteroid medication for many people however, you must realise the latter has been prescribed for a specific reason.

As a long lasting treatment, the immediate benefits may not be noticed compared to the short term relief inhaler but in essence, the long term medicine is playing a major part in keeping your asthma symptoms under control.

Another important factor is administering the doses of medication effectively. You want to make sure the medicine is reaching your lungs so correct application is vital. With metered dose inhalers, you squeeze the container and breathe in the medication in a controlled breath while the breathing action for dry powder versions is more rapid. Your doctor will usually demonstarte the correct use of an asthma inhaler and while it may take a little getting used too, just remember, it's a safety net you can always turn to when symptoms are about to "rear their ugly head."

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