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.
Bronchodilator and Cortisosteroids can be used together, especially in the morning and evening to help easier breathing. The corticosteroids is used for long- term relief of asthma, and use of one, such as flovent, will help keep the bronchial tubes from constricting again. Unlike a metered dose inhaler, the cortisosteroid comes in a powder form and can be inhaled quickly. A person suffering from asthma should always ask their doctor what kind of asthma inhaler best suits them.
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.
Do not let asthma control you, carry your asthma inhaler and when you feel an asthma attack coming on use your inhaler to control the asthma before it gets to you.
About The Author:
Sarah De Young is an expert author who writes for www.asthmacouncil.org/ Asthma-Inhalers.html
