layout image layout image
 
asthma header image

Basics of Asthma Inhalers

Asthma inhalers are common in terms of use among people with asthma. Most doctors will prescribe asthma inhalers to their patients. An inhaler works to deliver medicine that is needed to treat asthma directly to the lungs. The most common types of asthma inhalers are the metered-dose and dry powder inhalers. Here’s a look at these two types of asthma inhalers, along with information on how to use them properly and what types of medicines are commonly used in them.

 

The metered-dose asthma inhaler uses a chemical type of propellant to move the medicine out from the inhaler into the lungs. This medicine is received by squeezing onto the canister in the inhaler or by inhaling. A dry powder inhaler does not involve pushing out the medication. It requires inhaling at a faster rate than with another kind of inhaler.

Asthma inhalers are used to administer various different kinds of medicines that are prescribed by doctors to treat asthma symptoms. The most often used medicines for it include short and long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nedocromil. In some cases corticosteroids are paired with long-acting bronchodilators.

The two basic kinds of asthma inhalers will work in different ways. A metered-dose inhaler works by squeezing the top of the canister of medicine in the inhaler. The medicine is converted into a mist that goes directly to the lungs. The doses are also measured.

On the other hand, a dry powder inhaler works by having the patient press the lips onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler and quickly inhaling. This is one of the more popular types of asthma inhalers among patients because it does not require the hand-lung coordination that the metered-dose inhaler uses.

Using an asthma inhaler the right way is the most important of the basics of asthma inhalers. In fact, it is best that an inhaler be used as often as a doctor requests that it be done. This is because if an asthma patient does not take care of the symptoms as often as recommended with an inhaler that person will suffer more serious symptoms and experience damage in the future.

A physician can help to educate on how asthma inhalers work properly and how they should be used. It is important to know how to use it right so that it will be more effective and will prevent any more serious problems from happening in the future.

These are the basics of asthma inhalers. If you have asthma then it is important to see what type of inhaler is the best one for you to use and that you know how to use it properly and at the right times. This is needed so that the asthma inhaler you use will be more effective.

 

Asthma Recommended Products
Asthma Medication News

FDA approves generic version of Astra asthma drug - The Associated Press


Pharmalot

FDA approves generic version of Astra asthma drug
The Associated Press - 18 hours ago
... Industries Ltd. has been granted approval by the US Federal Drug Administration for a generic version of its child asthma medication Pulmicort Respules. ...
AstraZeneca's Generic Foe Forbes
AstraZeneca Enters Agreement for Authorized Generic Pulmicort Respules PharmaLive.com (press release)
FDA approves generic of AstraZeneca asthma drug The Associated Press
all 192 news articles

Read more...


Study: Is Asthma Overdiagnosed? - TIME


AFP

Study: Is Asthma Overdiagnosed?
TIME - Nov 18, 2008
Says Edelman so-called "therapeutic trials" of asthma medication may be appropriate, based on a patient's symptoms and medical history — even without ...
Docs misdiagnose asthma 30 per cent of the time Canada.com
Asthma may be over-diagnosed by up to 30 percent innovations report
Many Canadians misdiagnosed as asthmatic: study National Post
all 28 news articles

Read more...


'Drug testing of O'Mahony is a disgrace' - The Kerryman


The Kerryman

'Drug testing of O'Mahony is a disgrace'
The Kerryman, Ireland - 17 hours ago
... that all procedures and paperwork relating to O'Mahony's declaration regarding his use of asthma medication is in order and is confident that the matter ...
New rules may force asthmatics to retire Herald.ie
Conway: Confident all procedures were fully adhered to The Kerryman
all 6 news articles

Read more...


Many more children on medication, study says - Baltimore Sun


ChattahBox

Many more children on medication, study says
Baltimore Sun, United States - Nov 3, 2008
The increase in children receiving asthma medication appears to be partly because more children have asthma, but also because new guidelines recommend using ...
More Kids Taking Medication; Obesity Blamed WebMD
Tweens And Teens Double Use Of Diabetes Drugs Science Daily (press release)
Kids are increasingly medicated San Francisco Chronicle
seattlepi.com Microsoft blog - Medical News Today
all 101 news articles

Read more...


Three Of Four Indexes Undercut; Volume Ends Mixed - Investor's Business Daily (subscription)


Three Of Four Indexes Undercut; Volume Ends Mixed
Investor's Business Daily (subscription) - 9 hours ago
US regulators cleared the way for rival Teva Pharmaceuticals (TEVA) to make a generic form of AstraZeneca's Pulmicort Respules, a child asthma medication. ...

Read more...


 
layout image layout image