Asthma is a respiratory disease, portrayed by chronic swelling and contraction of the airways (bronchi). It leads to difficulty in breathing. An inadequate or anomalous reaction of the immune system towards the protection of the body against foreign bodies results in asthma. This respiratory infection can cause many symptoms, including chest tightness and wheezing. Nevertheless, using medications and Ventolin inhaler can help relieve your condition.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Symptoms of this lung disease are different for adults and children. Adult patients often feel breathing difficulties, especially when they are in a closed room or when they lie down.
Asthmatics cough at night, although this symptom is not universal. During the day, there are problems with strong emotions (laughing, singing, or crying), physical exertion when cold air enters the lungs. Asthma may take place without any signs and symptoms. However, in this case, it is much more dangerous and difficult to detect and control. It manifests itself only during an exacerbation of the disease (severe coughing, wheezing).
What are the types of asthma?
There are different types of asthma. They have diverse symptoms that can be relieved with different medications and inhalers such as Ventolin inhaler. Nevertheless, the most common types are-
- Allergic asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
- Early-morning asthma (better in the morning)
- Steroid-resistant
Symptoms that are often seen in children are different from adults. The child becomes pale, may have a fever, and intense coughing without phlegm. Moreover, this condition may come with-
- Wheezing
- Frequent colds, especially in winter
- Respiratory problems when going to bed
How can you treat asthma?
There are three main types of asthma treatment–
- Lifestyle changes
- Medications
- Emergency care
If you have asthma, your doctor will likely prescribe you a controller medication. It will keep your symptoms under control. An inhaled corticosteroid is the most common controller medication prescribed. Doctors prescribe this for people with a mild-to-moderate persistent respiratory infection. This medicine diminishes the irritation in your lungs. However, if you do not respond to a controller medication or have more severe symptoms, your doctor may prescribe an additional type of medication. It may be a reliever. A reliever or Ventolin inhaler helps open the airways to make breathing easier.
Asthma remedies also includes the implementation of some lifestyle modifications. Your doctor may recommend-
- Frequent sanitary care
- A good diet
- A regular exercise routine
Can exercises help?
You should only do exercises when it does not cause you to have difficulty breathing or a change in your occupation. If you know your work environment is contributing to your disease, you should look for effective measures.
If you have frequent uneasiness, your doctor may prescribe an emergency care medication, such as an inhaler. This medication can be used during breathlessness and helps your airways open up for a short amount of time. People who regularly use reliever medications often keep them on hand. Doing so can provide assistance if their asthma symptoms get worse.
What are inhalers?
Inhalers are used to open up the airways in your lungs by relaxing muscles near the airways. You can use this medication by using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI). These devices help control how much of the medicine you get each time you take a puff.
Bronchodilators
These relax the smooth muscles around your airways by opening them for a short time. Bronchodilators such as Ventolin inhaler can be used many times throughout the day if you have moderate to severe asthma symptoms. If you use such medications, it is significant to carry an inhaler with you at all times.
Corticosteroids
These medications decrease inflammation by reducing the release of chemicals that cause airway muscle spasms and irritation. These types of medications come in an MDI, and people use them each day to control their symptoms. If your disease is more difficult to control, your doctor may prescribe you a corticosteroid, administered once or twice a week through an inhaler, nebulizer, or orally.
Moreover, asthma solutions may also include medications injected into the muscles to help decrease inflammation. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms and adjust your medication schedule as needed. Medications for asthma are usually preventive, meaning that they are used regularly to help put your symptoms at bay.
What is a Ventolin inhaler?
This drug is a beta-2 agonist, which relaxes the muscles in the airways. It relieves and prevents symptoms of asthma and other breathing conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema. You can use the puffer to prevent breathing problems caused by exercise or exposure to cold temperatures.
Your pharmacist may have recommended this medication for another use. However, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any questions.
How should you use the respirator?
Use the spray as directed by your doctor, with occasional breaks as necessary at the recommended dose of 200 micrograms, one to four puffs every 4 hours.
- Before using the puffer for the first time, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are doubtful about how to use the inhaler device. Quaver the canister well just before each spray.
- Check the inhaler before using it for the first time. Hold it upright with your thumb on the bottom of the canister, then press down fully to release two sprays into the air away from your face. However, be careful not to get the Ventolin inhaler in your eyes as you prime and test it.
- If you do not hear a click after priming, the inhaler may have become damaged, and you should replace it. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for a replacement.
- If your symptoms are demanding to use the bronchodilator more than four times every 24 hours, contact your doctor, pharmacist, or respiratory therapist for advice.
- Clean your spray at least once a week. Follow the directions in the Patient Information leaflet inside the box.
It may take 1 to 2 weeks before you get the full benefit of the puffer. Inform your doctor if your symptoms do not recover or if they get more critical. However, if you use both short-acting bronchodilators, do not use the bronchodilator before using the respirator. Use one medicine 30 minutes before the other.
What else should you keep in mind?
Discuss with your doctor if your symptoms become poor or you necessitate using your inhaler more frequently.
If you are using another kind of inhaler, use it after you have used the other inhaler. Shake the canister well with the cap on and before each spray. Follow your doctor’s directions for how many sprays to use at one time and when to repeat them. Do not stop or change the number of times you use your inhaler without asking your doctor.
What safety measures should you follow?
Before using a Ventolin inhaler, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to albuterol or any other drugs. Request your pharmacist for a record of the components.
Discuss what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Moreover, be sure to mention theophylline. Your doctor may modify the amount of your medication dosage or screen you watchfully for side effects. Inform your doctor if you have or have ever had the following problems-
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Seizures (epilepsy)
- Diabetes
- Low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalaemia)
- Overactive thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism)
- Problems with urination
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the inhaler may harm your unborn baby, and it is recommended that you use another method to control your asthma symptoms during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about using this medication while breastfeeding.
If you develop symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular or fast heartbeat, or leg cramps after using the inhaler, be very careful when driving a car or operating machinery. The reliever may cause dizziness and drowsiness. Therefore, if you have these symptoms, do not drive or use machinery.
