Inhaler for asthma are as common as asthma, the respiratory disorder itself. Millions of people are already affected by this respiratory condition and even children are not spared. Due to one or another reason, individuals experience difficulties while breathing, wheezing, coughing, etc. Such symptoms can cause temporary or persistent shortness of breath and people end up being diagnosed with asthma. No wonder it isn’t the only medical condition causing breathing difficulties, you’ll learn about many that cause similar symptoms.
In this read, we’ll discuss a brief on asthma, inhalers used for asthma, their dosage, side effects, and more.
Asthma: An Overview
So, what is asthma? How does it differ from other respiratory disorders?
Asthma is a respiratory condition during which individuals experience airway inflammation that leads to bronchodilation and an increase in the production of mucus. Bronchodilation is a symptom that involves narrowing of the airways that obstruct airflow during inhalation and cause difficulties while breathing. Patients undergoing asthma experience symptoms like tightness of the chest, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Generally, this respiratory disorder can happen due to allergens (such as pet dander, pollen, etc), exercise, weather change, respiratory infection, and irritants (such as smoke, pollution, etc). These symptoms can occur in adults as well as children. Hence, anyone diagnosed with asthma has to manage the symptoms with a combination of medicines, including bronchodilators or inhaler for asthma.
What is an inhaler?
An ‘inhaler’ is a medical device used for inhaling medication, as the name suggests. It is a bronchodilator or a corticosteroid medicine in powder or liquid form, stored in a canister. When inhaled/used, this device releases the medicine directly into the lungs and relieves underlying symptoms of asthma. Upon inhalation, inhalers release a soft mist or spray which is the medication itself.
These asthma inhalers are suggested according to the patient’s age, severity of symptoms, other medical conditions, etc. Most adults or children are prescribed soft mist spray inhalers like Tiova Inhaler, Seretide Evohaler, etc while some are suggested powder inhalers like Seretide Accuhaler. Overall, the prescription is influenced by the user’s ability to dose the inhaler, convenience, etc.
How do asthma inhalers work?
Inhaler for asthma work by delivering medicine via mouth to the lungs directly. Regardless of the active ingredient they contain, they are categorized as bronchodilators or corticosteroids. Such active ingredients contain anti-inflammatory properties helping to relax airways by widening them, reducing mucus production, and minimizing inflammation. Breathing difficulties are thus eased and asthma attacks are prevented.
Different types of inhalers
Inhalers can be broadly categorized as:
- Soft mist inhalers (SMIs)
- Metered-dose inhalers (MDIs)
- Dry powder inhalers (DPIs)
Though each inhaler delivers medication in different forms, their active ingredients are either bronchodilators or corticosteroids. As discussed, either of the inhaler for asthma is prescribed according to individual preferences and the type of medication required.
Who needs to use an inhaler?
Any individual experiencing difficulties while breathing, symptoms of asthma, COPD, or similar respiratory conditions are prescribed inhalers. It could be an adult or a child/adolescent having shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, etc. Also, inhalers may be suggested along with combination medicines, if required. These inhalers may be used for short or long-term management of asthma symptoms. Alongside managing the symptoms of asthma, these inhalers improve the overall respiratory health of the individuals.
Why should an inhaler be used?
Needless to say, an inhaler for asthma is a valuable treatment option offering effective management of the symptoms. Besides reducing symptoms of underlying respiratory conditions, they are great at preventing exacerbations and enhancing overall quality of life. When used according to the prescription, they ensure effective treatment. In addition, several types of inhalers are available for customized management of the symptoms. Being greatly convenient and portable, they don’t let respiratory symptoms worsen. Hence, they ensure better respiratory health for the short or long term, as expected.
Benefits
- Provides quick relief
- Allows precision dosage
- Portable and convenient
- Minimized side effects
- Improvement in the quality of life
- Helps in controlling chronic respiratory conditions
- Reduces inflammation and constriction in the airways
Side Effects
Although inhalers are highly convenient and offer great relief, they may have some side effects. You can reach out to your healthcare provider and get help if the adverse reactions are beyond your control.
- Coughing
- Hoarseness of voice
- Throat irritation
- Palpitations or increased heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Tremors
- Oral thrush
- Muscular weakness
- Headache
- Mild to severe allergic reactions
What is the most common inhaler for COPD?
Mostly, inhalers for COPD have combination ingredients for both bronchodilation and anti-inflammatory effects. Thus, using a single inhaler, the patient can manage common COPD symptoms by widening the airways and reducing inflammation.
What is the most commonly prescribed inhaler?
Of the numerous inhalers for asthma available in the market, let us list a few. These inhalers are highly effective and top the charts when it comes to highly effective, affordable & reliable inhalers.
- Omnacortil
- Aerocort Inhaler
- Duolin Inhaler
Please find, these are to be listed a few and shared as per popularity in the USA. Either of them should be purchased upon prescription only. After all, you need to find out the best match as per underlying medical conditions, current/past medical health issues, and more.
Conclusion
We have studied a lot about inhaler for asthma in this blog. By the time we are about to end this read, you are well aware of the basics, benefits, side effects, and the commonly prescribed inhalers too. No doubt, these handheld devices offer convenience and thus become a go-to choice for getting rid of asthma and COPD symptoms. If you wish to buy inhalers for asthma with assured quality and competitive pricing, buy them with Specialitymedz.com.