Inhalation therapy is considered to be the most effective method for asthma because it allows the medication to be delivered directly to the lungs. This is achieved by using Inhalers, compact devices built to administer the medication and for the ease of use of the patient. This makes it the most popularly used form of therapy for asthma or other breathing ailments.
What Is An Asthma Inhaler Used For?
The Inhaler delivers puffs of medicine directly into the lungs. It contains different drugs depending on the purpose:
During crisis treatment (also called rescue treatment), inhalation relieves an asthma attack by rapidly dilating the bronchi. Even in the event of repeated doses (exacerbation), the side effects on the patient are limited.
During a disease-modifying treatment, the medications must be taken every day to avoid new attacks, acting in particular on chronic inflammation of the bronchi. For this treatment, especially inhaled corticosteroids, a low dose, delivered directly into the lungs, helps prevent unwanted effects on the body.
The benefits of inhaler:
- The effective dose is much lower than taking treatment in another form (tablets, injection, etc.), acting directly on the bronchi;
- The drug passes little in the blood and the body, thus limiting the side effects;
- It works quickly because the medicine is delivered directly to the bronchi and does not need to be digested and transported to work.
Are Asthma Drug Treatments Always Inhaled?
Medicines for asthma are most often delivered through an inhaler. However, it may happen that tablets are used in addition to inhaled treatment, or an injectable treatment in certain cases of severe resistant asthma.
Asthma: What Are The Main Types Of Inhalers?
There are different types of inhalers used in the treatment of asthma.
Pressurized or Self-Triggered Metered Dose Inhalers (Sprays)
The pressurized metered-dose inhaler contains a drug suspended in a liquid that is aerosolized through a spray bottle. It is propelled by gas. Pressing the vial releases the precise dose of medication for one puff. It requires good hand-mouth coordination: pressing the pump and breathing in are done simultaneously. In case of exacerbation in adults or difficulty in handling, and inhalation chamber is used. It makes it easier to take pressurized metered-dose inhalers for Asthma by eliminating hand-breath coordination. It has two parts: a reservoir that fits on the aerosol, the mouthpiece which is placed on the patient’s mouth. The self-triggered metered-dose inhaler allows the drug to be delivered by inhaling slowly through the mouth.
Dry Powder Inhalers
The medicine is in the form of a dry powder dosed in a capsule or in the device of the inhaler. The drug dose is released before each use; to do this and depending on the system used, it may be a matter of puncturing a capsule, pressing a push-button (as with metered-dose inhalers), turning a dial or opening the device. A deep breath allows inhalation.
There are many models of dry powder inhalers: single-dose (capsule to be inserted into the device before inhalation) or multi-dose (reservoir with many doses). These are equipped with a dose counter to facilitate exact dose taking. This counter allows you to see when the inhaler is almost empty and therefore needs to be renewed.
These inhalers fear humidity. Do not blow into the device or wash it. Always keep it dry.
Nebulizers
These devices produce a mixture of air and water that contains the medicine. This is projected in the form of fine droplets and inhaled using a mask or a mouthpiece.
Though asthma is a very common illness, it’s an equally serious health condition that required a timely diagnosis, check-up and treatment. Before buying the above-mentioned inhalers or using them, it is always advisable to consult your doctor for asthma support, and then find the right medication best suited for you.
