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How Asthma Inhalers Work

There are two main types of asthma inhalers and they come with instructions that are just a bit different, if you have any problems understanding the instructions you can always ask your doctor to demonstrate.

Metered Dose Asthma Inhaler

The metered-dose asthma inhalers come with a pressurized canister that has a certain amount of measured doses inside. By squeezing the top of the canister, it converts the medicine inside to a fine mist. Today, you can find a few metered-dose asthma inhalers that are breath activated and does not require you to squeeze the inhaler. You put your lips on or close to the mouthpiece of the asthma inhaler in order to inhale the mist that is created.

Some people have found that using a spacer aid as a holding chamber and do not allow the medication to escape into the air. With the medication being released into the chamber, this allows you to breathe in more slowly and it also reduces the amount of medication that is left on the back of your throat and increases the amount that makes it to your lungs.

Dry Powder Asthma Inhalers

The dry powder asthma inhalers are pretty similar to the metered-dose asthma inhaler except you will have to place your lips on the mouthpiece and inhale faster than you would with the metered-dose type. Some people prefer the dry powder asthma inhaler, as you have no need for hand lung coordination. The dry powder asthma inhaler is available as dry powder tube inhaler, a powder disk inhaler and a single dose dry powder disk inhaler. Spacers cannot be used with any type of dry powder asthma inhalers.

Remember, if is very important to learn to use your asthma inhalers properly. Asthma inhalers allow you to live a normal life and enjoy all of your normal activities and lets you be just as active as you desire. However, you must conform and use your asthma inhalers as prescribed by your physician if you wish to enjoy your life without having severe asthma attacks. Controlling the symptoms of asthma and the attacks associated with asthma triggers will give you more freedom to live your life.

Asthma inhalers are normally quick fixes for asthma attacks, your doctor will prescribe other asthma medications to ensure that you can lead a happy and healthy life. Be sure once you begin to use an asthma inhaler that the medication is reaching your lungs. If it is disappearing into the air, you are not getting the medication you need into your lungs and the attack can worsen.

Drew Voight