What is an asthma Inhaler?
Most asthma medications can be inhaled via the mouth with an Asthalin inhaler or puffer. There are many different types. It all depends on your age, the way your lungs work and the easiest device to use. The best person to help you with your asthma is a pharmacist, doctor or nurse.
Some medicines can only be inhaled directly with an inhaler. Other medicines must be inhaled using a’spacer.’ You puff the medicine into the container and then inhale through a mouthpiece.
This increases the amount medicine that reaches small airways and the lungs.
Most children above 4 years can use a small spacer with puffer. A mask may be required for babies and children under 4.
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Puffers for metered dose inhalers
The most common type is the puffer or metered dose inhaler. Use it with a spacer to deliver more medicine to your lungs.
Tips to make sure you use the correct method
- Before using, shake the inhaler.
- Breathe deeply.
- The inhaler should be held in the right position.
- Inhale deeply as you inhale. After that, take a deep inhale and hold your breath.
- Between each puff, shake the inhaler.
There are many kinds of inhalers. Each one serves a different purpose and requires different techniques.
Every day: Levolin inhaler
These inhalers reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. They are also known as control-inhalers. This is because they contain medicine that regulates inflammation.
Use it as often and as often you are told by your doctor, which is usually one to two times per day.
- No matter if you’re experiencing symptoms
- Even if you feel like you’re doing better
If you have to use it twice a day, aim to keep them apart for 12 hours.
The inhaler may not start to work immediately after you use it. It could take between 2 and 4 weeks.
The rescue and relief inhalers are quick to restore normal breathing.
- A shortness of breath
- Get wheezing
- Feeling tight in the chest
- Coughing
It is a good idea to always have a rescue syringe with you. Use it:
- When you feel irritable or have other symptoms
- Before you get to your asthma triggers,
- If you find unexpected triggers
Your rescue inhaler should only be used for short-term symptoms relief. It is not designed to control your asthma over the long-term. Talk to your doctor regarding a daily control inhaler if yours is being used for more than two days a weeks or more nights per month.
Facilitate your Activity
The short-acting asthma inhalers can help you do more activities that require more lung power if your asthma is triggered during exercise. This includes activities like singing, yard work, or gardening.
- Prevent symptoms by using your rescue suffocator 15 to 30 min before you start.
- It is a good idea for when you feel unwell while working.
Do not give up on exercising, even if it causes you to feel ill from your lively movements. Regular exercise can help manage your asthma. Regular exercise can strengthen the muscles of your lungs, reduce your weight, and help boost your immune systems. Instead:
- You might try other activities that are simpler.
- Avoid any weather conditions that may trigger symptoms.
How to Use an MDI (Metered Dose Inhaler)
Inhalers come in different sizes, so ensure you check your instructions.
- Prior to using the inhaler, you must first prime it. This is required if the inhaler has not been used for at least 2 weeks.
- You can shake the inhaler for 5 seconds. Next, turn the inhaler toward you and then press down to spray.
- Let it sit for a while, then do it again.
- Next, repeat this two times more for a total four.
How to Use an MDI Without a Spacer
Next, take off your mouthpiece cover.
- You should shake it for 5 seconds.
- To support the inhaler, place your index finger on top of it and your thumb below. If you need to, hold the spacer in your other hand.
- Breathe.
- You can place the mouthpiece between two of your teeth. Then, close your lips and seal your lips tightly. (Make sure your tongue does NOT block the opening.
- You can also hold your mouthpiece at a distance of approximately 2 fingers.
- Push the top down and take 4-6 seconds to fill your lungs.
- As long as you can, keep the medicine in the lungs for 5-10 seconds. Then, breathe out.
- If you don’t get enough breath in your first attempt, wait 15-30 second and then try again. Before taking the next inhale, shake the canister.
- Let’s take a look at the mouthpiece.
- Use water to rinse your mouth if your medication contains a steroid. Take out all of the liquid.
How to Use an MDI-Inhaler with a Spacer
- Place the inhaler in the spacer.
- You should shake it for 5 seconds.
- Hold the inhaler with your index finger up and your thumb under it. If you need to, hold the spacer in your other hand.
- Breathe.
- Keep the mouthpiece between you teeth. Seal your lips tightly around this spacer. (Check that your tongue doesn’t block any openings.
- Inhale and press the top until your lungs fill up completely. This takes about 3-5 second.
- As long as you can, keep the medicine in your lungs. For between 5-10 seconds. Then, breathe out.
- If you don’t get enough breath in your first attempt, wait about 15-30 secs and try again. You should shake the inhaler twice before taking the second puff. Make sure you don’t inhale two doses at once.
Metered dose inhalers
The inhalers come with a small pressurized canister that holds medication. It fits inside a boot-shaped plastic piece. You can push the canister into the boot to release medication with most metered dosage inhalers.
Some metered dosage inhalers automatically release medication whenever you inhale. Some metered doseinhalers have dose counters built in so that you always know how many of each dose are remaining. The use of wireless technology in newer devices allows you to track the doses via an app installed to your phone.
If your metered-dose inhaler does not come with a counter you will need to either track how many doses have been taken or purchase an electronic dose count to indicate when your inhaler is running low.
Some people may find it easier, for example, to inhale a full dose of medication. After an inhaler is released, a spacer holds the medication between your mouth and the tube. A valved hold chamber is a spacer designed to control the flow of medication.
Spacers allow you to inhale slowly, increasing the amount that gets into your lungs. A prescription is required to order holding chambers or spacers.c
