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Affecting over 300 million people worldwide. Asthma is one of the largest and fasting growing health issues in the world. In America alone there are over 30 million adult and 9 million children asthma sufferers. Asthma is largely caused by various allergies, but things such as exercise, weather change, and emotional stress can lead asthma on. There are many asthma medications a person can take, but one of the important aspects of asthma is the Asthma Inhalers. The asthma inhalers may help save a person's life, because when a person goes into an asthma attack, their bronchial tubes start to close making it hard for the person to breath. And an asthma inhaler can reopen the tubes to help the breath properly flow. There are a few different types of asthma inhalers. A couple of them are bronchodilators, and corticosteroids.
First is the bronchodilators, this type of asthma inhaler includes metered-dosed brands such as albuterol, pirbuterol, and advair. A bronchodilator relaxes the bronchial muscles so they will open back up. An albuterol or pirbuterol inhaler is used for fast action relief. Doctors recommend using this before and during physical activity to prevent an attack, as well as before bed and when you wake up.
Second is the Corticosteroids, this type of asthma inhaler is used for long- term relief of asthma. While a bronchodilator opens the bronchial tubes, a corticosteroid such as flovent will keep them from constricting 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.
It will be up to you and your doctor to best see what asthma inhalers fits with their needs.
It is very important to use an asthma inhaler properly also. The recommended technique for the meter dosed asthma inhaler (which is also known as Aerosol) is as follows:
1. Shake well. Be sure to shake the inhaler several times before each use
2. Do not lie down; stand with your head up straight
3. Exhale as much as possible until you feel you have no more air inside your lungs then insert the asthma inhalers mouthpiece into your mouth sealing it with your lips
4. After you have sealed the mouthpiece start to breathe in and simultaneously press down one time and only one time on the canister to release a single dose
5. Pull the device out of your mouth and continue to try and breathe through your open mouth for four to five seconds until your lungs are full of air
6. After your lungs are full of air hold your breath for at least ten seconds
7. Exhale
If after step seven you still are not breathing properly repeat steps one-seven.
Incorrect asthma inhalers technique can cause poor delivery of your medication to the lungs. This most likely will occur if your delivery is late when inhaling and pressing once on the canister, a released puff half way through the process will be lost. It is important that you know how to use the asthma inhaler before leaving the doctor office to help with asthma control when an asthma attack comes on.
Asthma is a serious condition especially if not properly cared for. But with the help of good asthma control, asthma medicine, and asthma inhalers a person can lead a normal, full, happy long life.
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