Asthma inhalers comprise prescription medications. The medicine reaches the lungs and is taken from the mouth. It eases off and prevents asthma symptoms. Doctors generally prescribe short-acting inhalers or rescue inhalers like Ventolin evohaler to relieve the symptoms during an attack. Long-acting inhalers are used regularly. They prevent the occurrence of symptoms that may turn into an attack. Inhalers also contain bronchodilators and steroids. Bronchodilators clear up the airways. However, steroids relieve the swelling in the bronchial tubes.
Short-acting (rescue) inhalers
They are generally bronchodilators, which comprise quick-acting beta-agonists (SABAs). Fast-acting inhalers curb the sudden shrinking of the airways, which can further lead to severe breathlessness. Doctors prescribe these types of inhalers to people who develop unexpected attacks.
You should know the warning signs of an attack. Prolonged coughing, severe breathlessness, and whistling sounds are some of them. If you feel like having these signs, use your short-acting inhaler quickly.
Following are the rescue inhalers-
Xopenex (levalbuterol)
It is used when the asthma symptoms become critical. Xopenex eases off the acute uneasiness.
Ventolin (albuterol)
It is a quick-relief inhaler for people who suffer from severe symptoms like prolonged coughing and shortness of breath.
Ventolin Evohaler Asthma Inhaler 100mcg (200 dose)
Both of these inhaler medications can cause side effects like palpitations and jitteriness. If your symptoms demand to use rescue inhalers more than two times a week, consult your doctor. It may indicate that you require long-running inhalers.
Long-acting inhaler
These types of inhaler medication are used regularly. They prevent the asthma symptoms from becoming critical. Long-acting inhalers are usually controllers. However, you should also know that not all controllers are available as inhalers. They impede the underlying causes, which results in this lung condition.
Long-acting inhalers are of two types. One contains durable bronchodilators. However, the other one comprises corticosteroids or steroids. Doctors may also prescribe combination inhalers that contain both the medications, bronchodilators, and steroids. One or both inhaler medications can also be prescribed to patients. It may rely upon the health conditions of the users. The long-acting inhalers are used regularly, even if you don’t have the signs. They take hours and even days to manage and prevent the symptoms. Therefore, you shouldn’t depend upon these inhaler medications for emergency cases. Use Ventolin evohaler (rescue inhalers) when your asthma symptoms become critical.
Bronchodilator inhalers
These inhalers contain durable bronchodilators. It expands the airways to help people breathe easier. They remain effective for around 12 hours.
Some of these medications are anticholinergics, which calm down the airways. However, many fall under the category of long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). They take action on the beta receptors present in the bronchial tubes and supervise the range of the airway gap. Some of the bronchodilator inhalers are-
Elixophyllin (theophylline)
It belongs to the drug class of some of the long-acting inhalers that contain steroids. They help relax the muscles and widen the airways. Elixophyllin has become obsolete with the introduction of new medications for asthma. However, people who are relieved with it can still find them available.
Spiriva (tiotropium)
It is an anticholinergic bronchodilator. Spiriva is generally used for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, people who want to reduce steroid intake can go for this kind of inhaler. Another inhaler belonging to the category of anticholinergic bronchodilator is Atrovent (ipratropium). It is also a medication for COPD. However, it is also used in hospitals to address chronic asthma attacks.
Steroid inhalers
Some of the long-acting inhalers contain steroids. They relieve airway inflammation caused by exposure to triggers. Using inhalers containing steroids can help prevent chronic inflammation. Some of the common steroid inhalers are-
- Pulmicort Flexhaler (budesonide)
- Asmanex Twisthaler (mometasone furoate)
- Qvar Redihaler (beclomethasone dipropionate)
Combination inhalers
Doctors sometimes prescribe combination inhalers instead of multiple inhaler medications. They can be easy to use because of being one. Moreover, combination inhalers may also decrease the seriousness of asthma attacks in a better way. They may include the following-
Symbicort
Symbicort contains formoterol and steroid. It is long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs).
Advair
It contains salmeterol, and fluticasone propionate, an inhaled steroid.
Do not skip using the long-acting bronchodilators in the hope of making use of short-acting inhalers when your symptoms become worse. You should take your medications on time to prevent an asthma attack. They can be life-threatening. Your doctor may tell you the purpose of using the inhaler and the ways to use it. Therefore, keep the purpose in mind and follow your treatment plan.
What should you do if you do not have an inhaler?
Daily inhalers or Ventolin evohaler (rescue inhalers) are a crucial part of asthma treatment. If you forget your inhaler at home or it is over before you may order a new one, do not worry. There are still some ways to cope up with an asthma attack.
Breathing exercises
Some breathing exercises can help restore natural breathing and ease shortness of breath. Buteyko method, the Papworth method, and pursed lips breathing are some of the effective ones. You can consult with your doctor about how to do them.
Sit straight
People lie down when asthma symptoms become poor. However, do not do that. Lying down may even make your symptoms more critical. Instead, sit straight or stand if you can.
Honey
Honey is an effective home remedy for an attack. It can help restore natural breathing and wipe out phlegm from the throat.
Have a cup of coffee
Coffee can help widen the airways and makes breathing more convenient. You should also know that caffeine can also worsen asthma symptoms in some people. Be careful while taking caffeine if you are one of them.
Always carry your inhaler with you wherever you go. Moreover, keep it in such places, where you can find them easily if you have an attack. However, if you forget to carry your inhaler with you, the pre-mentioned techniques can help. In addition, you can consult your doctor for more ways to deal with an asthma attack. All you need to do is, take medications on time, avoid the exposure of triggers, eat a supportive diet, carry your inhaler with you, and know how to deal with an uneasy condition.
