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Inhalers of one kind or another are often the mainstay of Asthma therapy. I'm Dr. Alan Greene and let's talk about how to actually use an inhaler. When someone is first handed an inhaler, their first instinct is often to put their mouth around the opening and to squeeze. But it turns out when you do it that way, you'll often end up with a lot of the medicine inside your mouth, on your tongue, on the roof of your mouth, inside the cheeks. You get less medicine down into the lungs where it is needed. It tastes bad. And if it happens to be one of the preventative kinds of medications, it could actually lead to thrush or yeast in the mouth.
Something else that's worth noting. An even better way to use an inhaler is with a spacer. We especially recommend this for kids, but it's better for adults, too. And the way the spacer works, you don't have to be coordinated. You don't have to time it perfectly. You can put the spacer into your mouth and you squirt the medicine into the spacer and just breathe in and out normally for a while so the medicine keeps coming in.
Now what ever you use, whether it's a straight inhaler or the spacer, there's a recent change that's worth being aware of. For a long time, asthma inhalers were propelled by CFCs (chloral floral carbons) that caused some problems with global warming and ozone depletion. Those have now been replaced or are being replaced with something called HFA instead. And that's great for the environment, but it is a little bit clumpier. So it's important the little place where the medicine comes out of, you may need to clean off on an albuterol kind of inhaler, whether you are using a spacer or using directly into your mouth.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 09/18/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
What else can I help you with?
What is a rescue inhaler?
An inhaler that has a specific fast acting medication in it, usually Albuterol. It works quickly when you have sudden symptoms, which is why they call it a "rescue" inhaler. Other Asthma meds or COPD meds like an inhaler that has a steroid, like Advair, are more maintainence inhalers and would not be used to relieve sudden symptoms.
What are some treatments of copd?
There are many treatment options for COPD. Some of these include but are not limited to oxygen treatment, medications such as an inhaler or physical training and lifestyle changes. All of these should be talked about with your doctor before deciding on the right one for you.
What are some treatment options of COPD?
There are many treatment options for COPD. Some of these include but are not limited to oxygen treatment, medications such as an inhaler or physical training and lifestyle changes. All of these should be talked about with your doctor before deciding on the right one for you.
How many metered inhalations are in a qvar 80 inhaler?
A Qvar 80 inhaler typically contains 200 metered inhalations. This means that the inhaler is designed to deliver a specific dose of medication with each puff, allowing for consistent and effective treatment for conditions like asthma or COPD. Always refer to the product information or consult a healthcare provider for specific usage instructions.
What is a bronchial inhaler?
A bronchial inhaler is a device used to deliver medication directly into the lungs to help with breathing difficulties, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It usually contains a bronchodilator medication that helps to open up the airways and improve airflow.
Can the use of a rescue inhaler shorten life?
The use of a rescue inhaler, such as albuterol, is generally safe and effective for managing asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) symptoms. However, over-reliance on rescue inhalers can indicate poorly controlled asthma, which may lead to more severe health issues over time. While the inhaler itself is not likely to shorten life, improper use or neglecting long-term management strategies can impact overall health. It's important to work with a healthcare provider to ensure proper asthma or COPD management.
Is symbicort a rescue inhaler?
No, Symbicort is not considered a rescue inhaler. It is a combination medication containing budesonide and formoterol, primarily used for long-term management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While it helps control symptoms and prevent exacerbations, a rescue inhaler typically contains fast-acting bronchodilators like albuterol for immediate relief during an asthma attack.
Why to use ZEROSTAT inhaler?
The ZEROSTAT inhaler is designed to deliver medication effectively for respiratory conditions, such as asthma or COPD, by ensuring precise dosage and optimal lung deposition. Its user-friendly design helps improve adherence to treatment regimens, making it easier for patients to manage their symptoms. Additionally, the inhaler's technology reduces the risk of side effects associated with improper inhalation techniques, promoting better overall health outcomes.
What mixes a single dose of the medication with a puff of air and pushes it into the mouth via a chemical propellant?
An inhaler mixes a single dose of medication with a puff of air and delivers it into the mouth using a chemical propellant. This method helps the medication reach the lungs quickly and efficiently for respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD.
How long has the spinhalier advair been around?
The Advair Diskus, a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol, was first approved by the FDA in 2000. The inhaler has since been a common treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The specific "spinhaler" device, often referred to as the Advair inhaler, has undergone various iterations but has been in use for over two decades.
Does the Albuterol inhaler thin your blood?
No, an albuterol inhaler does not thin your blood. Albuterol is a bronchodilator used primarily to relieve bronchospasm in conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe, but it does not have any direct effects on blood viscosity or clotting. If you have concerns about blood thinning or other side effects, it's best to consult a healthcare professional.
Do you have enlarged lungs if you have breathing problems unable to clear your lungs and catch your breath You use an inhaler but it still doesn't solve the breathing problem?
The most common problem when you have breathing problems, unable to clear your lungs or catch your breath, is asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other chronic lung condition. All of these come under the umbrella term COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. The lungs are not enlarged. Instead, the airways are irritated, inflamed, and narrowed. Your inhaler should open the airways. It is probably a "rescue inhaler". You need to ask your doctor if you need a maintenance inhaler used once a day, along with using your rescue inhaler.The key is, if your rescue inhaler is not doing what you need, you must talk to your doctor. There are wonderful medication combinations that can help you breathe better.
