Being mentioned of conventional medication, almost all asthmatics require the use of asthma inhalers even if they are taking some kind of oral medication. There are several different types of inhalers:
3 Basic Types Of Inhalers:
1)Aerosol from a canister (better known as a metered dose) is probably the most popular type 2)An inhaler device that delivers a powder that is inhaled into the lungs 3)A nebulizer that delivers the asthma medication as a mist
When using asthma inhalers with the metered dose it is extremely important that the proper technique is used.
8 Simple Techniques for Metered Dose Asthma Inhalers
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. Of course, exhale out!
8. If after step seven you still aren't 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.
What are Spacers?
A spacer is a device that has a chamber that receives the aerosol before it is inhaled. These spacers serve two functions for in asthma inhalers:
The first is to compensate the difficulties in timing of the actual inhalation and the actuation of the canister. The second function is to slow down the speed at which the aerosol impacts the back of the throat.
It should be noted that spacers are not foolproof, there is still some timing required on the part of the user. If the asthma inhaler is activated on the exhausting of the breath instead of the inhalation then you will loose at least half of your medication.
So by undertanding the basic types of inhalers, 8 simple techniques on how to use inhalers, and what are spacers, you may be free yourself the agony of having asthma again. You should never add to, or alter any component of your current asthma treatment without first consulting your physician.
However, many asthmatics sometimes tend to forget that although they are aware the various types of inhalers and how to use them properly in order to manage asthma well. Without a proper asthma recovery system, there will not be much asthma free lifestyle to hope no matter how much knowledge you have with regards to inhalers.
Apply this knowledge in choosing a good inhalers together with an effective asthma recovery system - enjoy your life once again.
In the world today, many asthmatics are constantly plagued by the agony and spending lots of money to get conventional treatments such as using the right asthma inhaler. These millions of asthmatics who have to fight to breathe the precious air on Earth, it can be a constraint on everyday life, including physical activity.
Such simple things as the weather or stress can easily trigger an asthma attack. Luckily, there are very igenious ways to control your asthma and live a normal life like using an asthma inhaler.
Getting not only an asthma inhaler, but also buying the right one can really save your life when an attack hit you.
What are the two basic types of inhalers and what they can do for your chronic respiratory condition such as asthma:
#1 What are Bronchodilators?
This type of asthma inhaler includes metered-dosed brands such as albuterol pirbuterol, and advair. When you have an asthma attack, the muscles in your bronchial tubes constrict, making it hard to breathe.
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.
During 1996, according to a group of Canadian scientists found that even as few as two puffs a day from a bronchodilator about 200mg - not only worsened the condition of asthma patients but contributed to a higher incidence of catatacts and glaucoma problems in asthmatics.
#2 What are Corticosteroids?
A corticosteroid is a type of asthma inhaler that is used for long- term relief of asthma. While a bronchodilator opens the bronchial tubes, a corticosteroid such as flovent will keep them from constricting again.
This inhaler usually comes in a dry powder form, and can be inhaled more rapidly than a metered dose inhaler. Your physican will recommend you to use both the bronchodilator and corticosteroid once in the morning and once at night for easier breathing and preventive asthma attacks.
However, the abuse usage of corticosteroid could suppresses the physical body's ability to produce natural steroids or strengthen the immune system. When the body ceases to produce natural steroids, due to artificial interference, the adrenal cortex is affected. This indeed is one of the side effects of using such conventional treatments. Use it sparingly for your condition.
The Best Way To Use Your Inhaler.
It is best to know how to properly use the inhaler should an asthma attack occurs. If you are feeling out of breath, reach for your bronchodilator immediate relief.
#1 Quickly place the mouthpiece in your mouth, and at the same time you are pushing down on the tube, breath in as quickly as you can.
#2 Holding your breath for a some few seconds, making sure the medication gets in your lungs, and let out a large breath of air. This way you are sure the chemical contents actually flows to your lungs.
#3 Within a minute or so, you should begin to feel relaxed, and able to breathe easier after that. If required, use your corticosteroid inhaler as well for added relief.
Breathing correctly is a mechanism that is required to keep humans alive. Some of us have to work harder to breathe, but it shouldn't be a hassle. If you have asthma, knowing the different types of inhalers to use and how to use them is essential. Don't let asthma control your life; learn how to control your asthma.
Also, in all situations that can trigger an asthma attack, you must control your breathing. If you experience any asthma symptoms or find yourself hyper-ventilating, remain calm and concentrate on the breathing momentum.
So by undertanding the various types of inhalers, how to use it correctly, you may simply feel free yourself from asthma attacks thus saving your life in the process. However. you should never add to, or alter any component of your current asthma treatment without first consulting your physician.
However, many asthmatics sometimes tend to forget that although they are aware the various types of inhalers and how to use them correctly manage asthma well. Without a proper asthma recovery system, there will not be much asthma free lifestyle to hope no matter how much knowledge you have with regards to inhalers.
Apply this knowledge in choosing a good inhalers together with an effective asthma recovery system - enjoy your life once again.
Eddy Kong has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Medical Insurance and Anger Control. Eddy Kong is the author of a 7-day Asthma Recovery System, "How to Quickly & Effectively Treat Your Asthma Condition". Drop by at