Not all forms of repository diseases like asthma, cystic fibrosis, or COPD are similar. This is why it only makes sense that lung devices are also not the same. One of the devices that are often used today is none other than the inhaler.
Unlike liquid medications or pills that need to be swallowed, medication for asthma works fast for the airways to be opened and experience faster relief.
Table of Contents:
What are Inhalers?
Inhalers are small handheld devices used for getting the medicines straight into a patient’s lungs. These medicines are in the form of spray or mist that the patient releases when inhaling. Unlike liquid medications or pills that need to be swallowed, medication for asthma works fast for the airways to be opened and experience faster relief.
Different Types of Inhalers
Inhalers have several types and these are the following:
Controlled Inhalers
Controlled inhalers are everyday inhalers that are used two times a day approximately 12 hours apart to help prevent worsening symptoms or flare ups through administering medicine for controlling inflammation. These can also be used before outdoor activities or exercise.
Dry Powder Inhalers
The dry powder inhalers can deliver medicine in the form of powder. This doesn’t spray out and the user needs to inhale the medicine deeply and quickly.
MDI or Metered Dose Inhalers
MDIs are basically the most common types of inhalers you can find today. This inhaler releases a metered dose of the medicine similar to small aerosol cans when pushed.
Rescue Inhalers
Quick-relief or rescue inhalers are used for helping you get back your breathing under control in the case of coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or wheezing.
How to Use Inhalers
All inhalers are different so be sure to read the direction first that comes with the specific model you are using.
Shake the inhaler up and down for around 5 seconds.
Take off the cap and ensure that the mouthpiece is clear.
Exhale slowly and make sure that you push air out as much as you can.
Put the mouthpiece of the device in your mouth and form a tight seal around this using your lips.
Inhale slowly through the mouth then press the button down slowly.
Continue to inhale as deeply as you can.
Be sure to hold your breath then count to 10 slowly before you exhale.
Put back the cap on the mouthpiece and check that it is sealed tightly.
Use water to rinse your mouth, gargle, and spit. It is only an optional step but this can help lower the side effects of some medicines.
You need to aim the inhaler correctly so that the medicine will be sent straight to your lungs. You also have to make sure that you inhale and press down the button at exactly the right time for you to receive the medicine. If not, you might miss it, with the medicine hitting your teeth, tongue, or top of your mouth.
It may take some practice to master using an inhaler and your doctor can show you how you can use this device properly.
