World Asthma Day 2019: Types of Asthma Inhalers

Asthma is a chronic disease which affects the airways that are responsible for the transportation of air. Due to asthma the airways of the person become narrow and produce more mucus. There is no full cure for asthma available but it can be controlled to lead a healthy and active life. World Asthma Day is observed on every first Tuesday of May. The day highlights need to create awareness about this non-curable disease. For quick relief asthma patients often use inhalers to stop the situation to get worse.

There are different types of asthma inhalers available in the market. Inhalers are over-the-counter drugs that can be bought at any medical store. If you have been diagnosed with asthma recently, it is time you know about your disease a little more in detail. The inhaler is an apparatus in which different kinds of medications used to treat asthmatic attacks can be fitted into. Inhalers help the medicine to directly and quickly reach the lungs’ airway thereby, reducing inflammations. There are two broad categories of inhalers.

Aerosol Inhalers

This inhaler, also known as a puffer, is an apparatus that is filled with pressurised medication and is hung up in a propellant. As soon as the apparatus is pushed down, a dose of medication is sprayed into the mouth that travels through the airway and reaches the lungs. This dosage is measured and called a metered dose inhaler medically. This can be used by a person of any age group.

Also Read: Asthma Treatment at Home

Dry Powder Inhalers

These inhalers have dry powder inside them that you draw inside your lungs during inhalation. This delivery of medication reaches the lungs in five to ten seconds while one is holding his or her breath. This device is generally prescribed for adults and older children. With a dry powder inhaler, one needs to breathe in more quickly than an aerosol inhaler. It is best if you try using the inhaler a couple of times in your doctor’s presence before mastering the technique! Many hospitals, today, have asthma educators to make people more adept in knowing their disease well.

Latest Inhalers

Some new inhalers that have been introduced in the market have a small screen fitted on them that helps in monitoring the number of dosages used and the number of dosages left for use. If you are not able to procure one, approach your asthma educator to know about the amount of dose usage per puff. This way, you can keep a track of your own condition and when you would need a refill.

Anti-inflammatory Drugs or Steroids

Corticosteroids are also prescribed to patients as it acts as an anti-inflammatory drug during attacks. This is given in case of emergencies and for a quick healing process. Steroids can save lives when the patient is critical.

Also Read: Common Childhood Asthma Myths Debunked

A lifelong disease, the usual symptoms of asthma include excessive mucous formation in the mouth and breathlessness that increases during the night or early morning due to a high allergy level content present in the air. Know your type and get regular checkups done.

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