Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?

Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you?

Here's information that will help you consider the pros and cons of different asthma inhalers.

Asthma inhalers are hand-held portable devices that deliver medication to your lungs. A form of asthma inhalers are available to help control asthma symptoms. Finding the right one can help you get the right dose of medication to prevent or treat asthma attacks.

There are two primary types of asthma inhalers.

Metered dose inhalers

These inhalers consist of a pressurized canister containing medication that goes into a boot-shaped plastic mouthpiece. With most metered dose inhalers, medication is released by pressing the canister into the boot.

One case of metered dose inhaler releases medication automatically when you inhale. Some metered dose inhalers have counters so that you recognize how many doses remain. If there's no return, you'll need to track the number of doses you've used to tell when the inhaler's low on medication.

In some places, such as for children or older adults, using an asthma spacer with an inhaler may be helpful. A spacer holds medication in a subway system between the inhaler and your mouth after it's released, making it easier to inhale the full dose.

Letting go the medication into the spacer gives you time to inhale more slowly, decreasing the amount of medicine that's left on the back of your throat and increasing the amount that reaches your lungs.

One type of inhaler has a built-in spacer. Others can be applied with a separate spacer that attaches to the inhaler.

Dry powder inhaler

These inhalers don't use a chemical propellant to force the medication out of the inhaler. Instead, the medication is released by breathing in a deep, quick breath. Available types include a dry powder tube inhaler, a powder disk inhaler and a single-dose powder disk inhaler.

Other devices

Some people are unable to apply a standard metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler and need another device to get asthma medication. These include the following:

Metered dose inhaler with a face mask. A face mask is mostly needed for infants or small children. It utilizes a standard metered dose inhaler with a spacThe face mask attaches to the spacer and is sized to fit tightly over the nose and mouth to make sure the correct dose of medication reaches the lungs.ngs.

Nebulizer. A nebulizer is a gimmick that turns asthma medication into a fine mist that's breathed in through a mouthpiece or mask worn over the nose and mouth. A spray is generally reserved for people who can't use an inhaler, such as infants, young children, people who are very ill or people who need large doses of medication.

Work with your doctor to determine which type of inhaler will work best for you. Have your doctor, chemist or other health provider shows you how to use it.

Using your inhaler correctly is vital in ensuring you get the correct dose of medication to keep your asthma under control. Talk to your doctor if you're experiencing any trouble using your inhaler or it seems like you're not getting a full dose of medication.

Replace your inhaler if it has gone past its expiration date or it shows that all the doses have been used.