Asthma Inhalers

Asthma medication comes in many different forms. One of these forms is the Asthma Inhaler. When someone suffers from asthma they could go into an asthma attack. This is caused when their bronchial tubes start to close, making it hard for the person to breath. Asthma Inhalers such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids can help reopen the tubes and help the person breath properly again.

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.

As a dry powder form the Corticosteroid can be inhaled more quickly then the Bronchodilator and will help with the bronchial tubes from constricting again. The corticosteroid is a longer acting asthma inhaler then the bronchodilator. Typically this asthma inhaler is used once in the morning and the evening along with the bronchodilator. The use of the corticosteroid will help you breath easier thoughout the day. It is always best to consult a doctor to see what asthma inhalers fits you 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 ashtma control, asthma medicine, and asthma inhalers a person can lead a normal, full, happy long life.

By: Sarah De Young

Asthma Treatment -- How To Help Someone Having An Attack

Our existence depends on breath -- and an acute asthma attack can make it almost impossible to breathe. No wonder these attacks are so scary for both the affected person and for onlookers.

Knowing the basics of asthma treatment is essential when trying to help someone experiencing an attack.

Maybe you are having dinner with a friend and all of a sudden, she looks panic stricken and gasps for breath. Or perhaps your children’s friends have come over to your house and your daughter screams that her best friend can’t breathe.

Do you know how to deal with these situations? If you are able to provide the right asthma treatment, it might possibly save someone’s life.

Here are key facts you should know.

* During a bout of asthma, patients find it easier to breathe while sitting up than lying down. So help them get into a comfortable sitting position.

* Most asthma patients know what they need to do to deal with an attack. So it is best to ask them. Ask if they have an inhaler and where it is. If they don’t have one, ask them if you should call for help.

Many asthma patients carry not only an inhaler, but a written instruction card as well. An asthma attack can temporarily rob the patient of his ability to speak.

In such situations, an instruction card explaining what needs to be done can be invaluable. If there is such a card, just do as it says.

* Help them use the inhaler. An inhaler is designed to deliver a specific dose of asthma medication. The medication relaxes the patient’s airways and helps restore normal breathing.

Medication is so important that in case the patient doesn’t have his or her inhaler available, most doctors say that it is ok to use someone else’s. Nothing else you can do has nearly the same effect as taking the right medication.

In general, you should give two to four puffs of the inhaler and then wait for about five minutes for the next dose.

Position the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the patient’s lips. Let him know when you are about to give a puff so that he can breathe in at the same time.

Wait for several seconds before you deliver another puff. Or until he lets you know he is ready for the next one.

You can use a spacer to help the person inhale the medicine over the course of several breaths, instead of one breath. This device sits between the inhaler and the person’s mouth and can hold the medicine in place between breaths.

If a spacer is not available, you can make one by rolling up some paper to create a tube.

* Once you’ve given medication, observe the patient for several minutes. Is it getting easier for him to breathe?

* If it appears that they are not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call an ambulance. And continue to deliver about four puffs of medication every five minutes while waiting for the ambulance.

The medication will help prevent the asthma attack from getting worse even if it doesn’t seem to provide immediate relief.

* Stay calm throughout the episode. This will help the patient remain calm as well. If he panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult for him to breathe.

So talk to him calmly, to reinforce the feeling that everything is under control. This is vitally important.

Being aware of these asthma treatment basics will help you deal effectively with many emergency situations.



Jane Peters is a lecturer and has written on a variety of topics. For useful information on asthma types, high blood pressure and more, see the foregoing links.