Choosing and Using an Asthma Inhaler

Inhalers are hand-held portable devices that deliver medication directly to the lungs. Using them may sound simple.just put your mouth over the opening and breathe in.but it's not that simple. Many patients don't use their inhalers properly. When they are used incorrectly, symptoms may persist and worsen. This may led to a severe asthma episode.

So what is the right way? Well, there's not just one. It's important to read the directions that come with your inhaler. There are three basic types of inhalers:

• the nebulizer

• the metered-dose inhaler

• the dry-powder inhaler.


 

Most people with asthma need two kinds of asthma medicine, one for quick relief and one for long-term control.

Your doctor may tell you to take preventive medicine every day if:

• You cough, wheeze or have a tight chest more than once a week.
• You wake up at night because of asthma.
• You have many asthma attacks.
• You have to use quick-relief medicine every day to stop asthma attacks.

Because the choice is critical it is best to consult with your allergist and practice the use of your inhaler before you leave the office. And always carry your quick-relief asthma medicine with you when you leave home.

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