Inhaler medication is widely recommended to many patients as asthma therapy, or you can say an inhaler is an essential part of asthma medicine for patients with asthma. There can be various cause of asthma, but an inhaler is probably used in all cases. Therefore, using an asthma inhaler correctly is important for effective medication delivery and asthma treatment and cure.
An asthma inhaler is a medical device that delivers medication directly into the lungs; this process or mechanism helps you manage asthma symptoms. Inhalers are recommended to treat chronic asthma (long-term management) and acute asthma attacks (quick relief). A combination of medications that include oral medicines and inhaler drugs such as Theo Asthalin Forte 4mg, Theo Asthalin 2mg+100 mg, Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg, Asthalin Respules 2.5 ml, Tiova Rotacaps 18 mcg with one Rotahaler, and Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg (120 mdi) make it an effective asthma treatment for the patients. If you have signs of asthma and are prescribed an inhaler, you should know how to use it, when, and what kind of inhaler it is.
Types of inhalers
There are three types of asthma inhalers, such as:
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- Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs):
Such inhalers deliver a specific amount of medication in the form of mist. It is a small, pressurized canister that can be used with a spacer. - Dry powder inhalers (DPIs):
This type of inhaler delivers medication in powder form. Users need to take a pump deep to transport medication into the lungs. - Soft mist inhalers (SMIs):
It delivers the medication as a fine mist without using a propellant. This inhaler is easy to use, so a patient can pump this device even if he/she cannot move it.
- Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs):
People living with the signs and symptoms of asthma attacks can buy asthma inhalers online and find normal inhalers or HFA inhalers as their doctor recommends. A normal inhaler uses chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) to deliver medication, whereas a HFA inhaler uses hydrofluoroalkane (HFA) as a propellant. Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg is one such HFA device.
How to use an inhaler properly
Usually, asthma patients use either a metered-dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler. If you are using MDI, follow some guidelines to operate it correctly. These guidelines include:
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- Shake it well: If your inhaler contains medicine suspended in liquid form, shake it for about 5-10 seconds to mix the medication properly.
- Prime the new inhaler: Spray a couple of puffs into the air if you have not used the device for more than a week or if it is newly purchased.
- Breathe out fully: Stand or sit up straight before inhaling. Now, exhale as much air from your lungs as possible to make room for the medication.
- Position the inhaler: Hold it upright and place it about 1-2 inches in front of your mouth. Now, place the mouthpiece directly in your mouth and seal it with your lips so no medication is leaked.
- Inhale deeply: Breathe slowly through your mouth, and at the same time, press down on the inhaler to release the medication.
- Continue inhaling: Breathe deeply and fully for about 3-5 seconds to send the asthma therapy medication into your lungs.
- Hold your breath and exhale slowly: Hold your breath for about 10 seconds to allow the medication to settle in your lungs, and after that, exhale gently.
- Wait and repeat if needed: If your doctor prescribes you to take more than one puff for effective asthma treatment and to reduce the severity of asthma signs, wait about 30-60 seconds between two puffs, and shake the inhaler again before using.
- Rinse your mouth after use: If you use an inhaler containing a corticosteroid (like fluticasone or beclomethasone), rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to avoid thrush after administering the medicine.
Similarly, you should follow some instructions while using a dry powder inhaler (DPI) for effective asthma therapy:
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- Prepare the inhaler: A new inhaler must be loaded with a dose of medicine by turning a lever or twisting the base.
- Breathe out fully: Just like MDI, you should exhale or remove irritants or air that could cause asthma completely away from the inhaler to avoid moisture from your breath.
- Inhale sharply and deeply: Place the mouthpiece between your lips and breathe quickly and deeply through your mouth to deliver the medicine.
- Hold your breath and exhale slowly: After inhaling the medication, hold your breath for about 8 to 10 seconds and then exhale it slowly, as necessary, to complete the asthma treatment. While using an asthma inhaler to combat the signs and symptoms of asthma attack, patients can also combine it with prescription drugs such as Theo Asthalin Forte 4mg, Theo Asthalin 2mg+100 mg, Asthalin HFA Inhaler 100 mcg, Asthalin Respules 2.5 ml, Tiova Rotacaps 18 mcg with one Rotahaler, and Foracort Inhaler 6/200 mcg (120 mdi). You can buy asthma inhaler online or over-the-counter as well. Follow your doctor’s prescription to get the best from this medicine. For affordable medicine purchases, check Reliablerxpharmacy’s running deals and get the best discounts.