What are rescue inhalers?
Rescue inhalers are medicines, which are generally used by asthmatics when they have an asthma attack. There are several types of rescue inhalers available, including albuterol, levalbuterol (Xopenex), and pirbuterol (Maxair Autohaler). These inhalers are used in emergencies and should not be considered a substitute for daily control or preventative medication. Albuterol, such as Proventil and Ventolin evohaler, is available as an inhalant without a prescription. On the other hand, levalbuterol, such as Xopenex, and pirbuterol, like Maxair Autohaler, require a doctor’s prescription.
Why are rescue inhalers prescribed?
Rescue inhalers can quickly treat sudden symptoms. They often contain short-acting bronchodilators that provide fast relief from asthma attacks or flare-ups.
How do rescue inhalers work?
There are two different ways in which rescue inhalers work, depending on the medicine used in the patient. Many of these inhalers contain albuterol sulfate, a bronchodilator that relaxes muscles in the lungs. Moreover, it also opens airways for free breathing. Doctors prescribe albuterol inhalers to patients who observe a mild relief from their rescue inhaler.
However, patients who have more severe asthma attacks or do not respond to albuterol sulfate may also use the levalbuterol (Xopenex) inhalers. These can be equally effective and are generally prescribed if the albuterol inhalers such as Ventolin evohaler do not work. Levalbuterol is a bronchodilator with fewer side effects than most other rescue inhalers, making it the most commonly used.
In general, these medicines are not used daily, and some of them require a prescription from your doctor. Nevertheless, you should contact your doctor if you have questions about using these inhalers.
How do you use a rescue inhaler?
Rescue inhalers generally come as an aerosol canister, having a plastic mouthpiece attached to the cap. When activated, the medicine is released into the air in tiny droplets. It helps the patient to breathe in the medication.
- To use a rescue inhaler, such as Ventolin evohaler for asthma attack, open your mouth wide and place the inhaler cap into your mouth, allowing it to sit inside your lower lip.
- Then press down on the inhaler firmly while breathing in deeply for about 5 seconds. You may breathe out slowly after about 10 seconds. Never exhale into the inhaler.
- Repeat this process for each one of your rescue inhalers.
Usually, 2 – 3 puffs are enough to relieve most breathing difficulties. However, you may use up to 4 puffs if needed. Remember not to wash any part of the inhaler, as it is disposable and should be thrown away after using it.
Ventolin Evohaler Asthma Inhaler 100mcg (200 dose)
What should you do after using a rescue inhaler?
After you use your inhaler, be sure to-
- Lay down and relax if possible. If resting isn’t an option, sit in a position where your lungs can expand without difficulty (such as standing up). Moreover, do not walk around for at least 10 minutes after you use your Ventolin evohaler.
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic liquids, such as water or juice.
- Stay away from smoky rooms and places with lots of dust particles if possible. They both can trigger asthma attacks.
- If you use more than one rescue inhaler, wait at least 2 minutes before using the second one.
If your breathing does not return to normal or if it gets worse after using your first inhaler, seek medical attention immediately. You might need to take oral corticosteroids for severe cases.
Can rescue inhalers lead to addiction?
Rescue inhalers, when used correctly in a patient without a history of drug abuse or dependence, do not cause any kind of physical addiction. If you follow the instructions carefully and use no more than two inhalers per day, your chance of developing an addiction is very low. However, if your doctor recommends that you continue to use a rescue inhaler daily, addiction may occur. If you have been using more than two puffs of your Ventolin evohaler per day or feel the need to take more medication even though your breathing is improving, contact your doctor immediately. You may have come dependent on this medication.
Can rescue inhalers be used more than once a day?
Yes, you can use your rescue inhaler more than once a day. However, you should only do this if your doctor says it is OK. Using an inhaler more than twice a day might not give you enough time to recover between doses during exercise or other activities. It might also increase the risk of side effects.
Your doctor might want you to use a rescue inhaler more than twice a day if you-
- Have asthma and exercise regularly or have a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. It is because your need for inhaled medicine may increase during these times.
- Have a respiratory infection and take a steroid inhaler twice a day to control inflammation in your airways (step-down therapy). Using these two medicines together will help keep your disease under better control. Moreover, your doctor may also want you to use more than one puff of a rescue inhaler if you have an attack.
If you need to use more than one puff of your Ventolin evohaler in 24 hours, wait at least 10 minutes between puffs. This gives the medicine time to work. Using a respirator too much can be harmful to your asthma. Therefore, talk with your doctor before using two puffs in a row or more than your recommended dose.
What are the possible side effects of using your rescue inhaler more than once a day?
The side effects of using your rescue inhaler more than once a day may vary depending on the medication you are taking. Here are some side effects related to some of the most commonly used medications, salbutamol, and salmeterol-
Salbutamol is a beta2 agonist and can cause tremors and shakiness. If you were already suffering from asthma symptoms, it would be advisable to use the puffer less frequently. You may also experience headaches with salbutamol. However, this is not common.
Salmeterol belongs to a group of medicines called long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). It causes side effects in some people, including muscle pain and weakness. This is quite normal. There are no other side effects to be aware of when using salbutamol or salmeterol. However, your doctor may have given you special instructions regarding the use of your Ventolin evohaler or other medication. If any side effect becomes particularly troublesome, speak with your doctor.
Can you use another person’s inhaler?
No. all asthma inhalers work only if the puffer is matched to an individual. For example, some people are sensitive to a certain propellant component (a substance such as CFCs) in an inhaler. Therefore, you should not use it. Others have a different sensitivity to a particular puffer ingredient, which means it is not suitable for them. It is best to use your inhaler because the dose you get from a puffer will be consistent and accurate when matched to your airways and lungs and the dosage allow you to feel and breathe better.
Some people (especially parents) wonder if they can give their inhalers to their children when they have an asthma attack. Some inhalers are not suitable for children. The dose they deliver may be too strong for a small child.
When should you refill your rescue inhaler?
Your prescription for your rescue inhaler should be refilled when you start to feel the need to use your inhaler more often. For most people, this is 1-2 puffs every 4 hours. If you use 2 puffs every 4 hours and still do not feel well, or if you develop a new cough or chest tightness, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.
You may need to use the puffer more frequently at the start of treatment. However, this should improve with time if you take your medication correctly. Always follow the advice given by your doctor or nurse. Never increase the dose of your rescue inhaler unless advised by your doctor. If you use too many puffs from your Ventolin evohaler, this may cause treatment to fail and make you feel even worse. You will need a different strength or type of preventer inhaler if the one you are using fails to control your symptoms.
