Inhalers - Are they the guardian angels of asthmatics?

Inhalers - Are they the guardian angels of asthmatics?

Asthma inhalers have been real life savers. They are to asthmatics what antivenin is to snake bites. An asthma inhaler is part of the management process and sufferers always have it ready if an attack is imminent.

The most popular inhaler is a canister that delivers a metered dose. This is used by millions of young and old worldwide and provides a welcome safety net for those affected. Other types include a device that delivers a powder when inhaled, while asthma medication is distributed as a mist via a nebulizer.

How do inhalers work?

The history of the asthma inhaler goes back well over a hundred years. It has undergone many improvements during this time, but the basic principle has remained the same. More recently, the compound CFC used in these inhalers has been switched to halocarbons, which are said to provide higher rates of absorption and effectiveness in some inhalers.

During an asthma attack, the constriction of the muscles in the bronchi makes it difficult to breathe. The action of a bronchodilator helps to relax the muscles, open the airways and make it easier for the affected person to breathe. In many cases, athletes who suffer from asthma use their inhalers before and during exercise. Just recently, during an Aussie Rules play-off game, one of the game's star players was seen using his inhaler. The fact that he was back playing sports at an elite level reiterated that asthma doesn't have to control your quality of life.

Doctors will also encourage people to use their inhalers before bed and first thing in the morning, preferably when they wake up.

While broncodilators are suitable for short-term relief, corticosteroids provide long-term relief. They work by preventing the bronchi from constricting again and are generally dosed in powder form. For best results, the use of both is usually recommended by doctors.

Correct use of inhalers is critical

Asthma inhalers take some getting used to when introduced to an asthmatic for the first time. While they look easy to use, timing is very important. During an attack, a sufferer does not have much time to think about the situation and reacts instinctively by reaching for their inhaler. The mouthpiece is simply placed in the mouth, but while the button or tube is pressed, the user must inhale strongly in line with the downward motion. This allows the medicine to reach the lungs and after its release from the inhaler, the user usually exhales just as forcefully. Here too, the timing during the exhalation movement is crucial, because if it happens too early, valuable medication is lost.

Remember that describing how to properly use an inhaler may seem a little trivial to some, but it is crucial for asthmatics. The goal of the inhaler is to get you back to breathing normally as quickly as possible. People sometimes forget that asthma is a killer and the trusty inhaler was responsible for saving more than one life during its development.

Inspired by Dean Caporella