Can you tell me something about Inhalers for Asthma: Part 4

For the majority of individuals who do not have the hand-deep inspiration coordination, a dry powder inhaler is recommended. These inhalers also require less maintenance. However, the dry powder often does gel or clump in the presence of excess humidity- so these devices must always be stored in a dry environment. Other than that, both inhalers function well.

Today, the majority of anti asthmatic medications can be used with either inhaler. For those individuals who have never used an inhaler, it is important to get a demonstration from a health care professional. For those who simply are not able to use an inhaler, the next step is to use a nebulizer. All individuals who use an inhaler require a prescription from their physician to determine which inhaler is right. Even if an inhaler is exchanged, a prescription is required.

Inhalers cost anywhere from $30-$60, however, the generic brands cost a lot less. There are programs that ensure that all asthmatic individuals who can’t afford inhalers do get them.

Can you tell me something about Inhalers for Asthma: Part 3

Dry powder inhalers do not use a commercial propellant to eject the medication out of the inhaler; instead the medication is released by taking a deep breath- much faster than one would with a traditional metered dose inhaler. Many people find the dry powders inhalers are a lot easier to use mainly because one does not require hand and inspiration coordination to get the therapeutic dose of the bronchodilator. 

There are several designs of dry powder inhalers, which include a dry powder tube inhaler, powder disc inhaler and a single dose dry powder disc inhaler. Dry powder inhalers are never used in combination with a spacer. The one minor negative about these inhalers is that they can be difficult to use during an acute asthmatic attack, because it does require one to take a deep breath. And this can be very difficult in a person who is having an acute asthmatic attack.

Can you tell me something about Inhalers for Asthma: Part 2

Metered Dose Inhalers use a chemical propellant to push a measured dose of medication out of the inhaler. These small light weight devices have a pressurized canister which contains the bronchodilator medication, a mouthpiece and a metering valve that dispenses the right dose of drug. The chemical propellant in the latest metered dose inhalers is hydrofluoroalkane (HFA).

These inhalers can be activated by either squeezing the canister or inhaling- either actions results in the release of the drug. Because metered dose inhalers can be difficult to use for some individuals, one can add a spacer to the inhaler. These small plastic tubes with a chamber can make the use of an inhaler easier and comfortable. When the inhaler is squeezed, the drug is first released into the chamber which then allows the individual enough time to inhale more slowly. Research has shown that the use of a spacer allows the medication to enter the lower lungs and not just remain in the throat/mouth. Many of the current metered dose inhalers have counters that let the individual know how many doses are remaining.

Can you tell me something about Inhalers for Asthma: Part 1

Inhalers have transformed the treatment of asthma. These current day devices can be used at home or in the hospital without fear of developing an asthmatic attack. However, inhalers can be a little tricky to use initially and one needs to know some basic information about the different types of inhalers.

Even though there are a variety of inhalers available, they basically fall into two categories.

Can one develop asthma late in life? I have been told I have asthma at age 57!

The majority of asthma cases are diagnosed in childhood or in the early teenage years. When one develops new onset asthma and a cough at a late age, this is a cause for concern. 

It is unlikely that one can have new onset asthma unexpectedly in the later years of life if the past medical history has been uneventful. Moreover, if you do not smoke and have not had any chemical related work history, then you definitely need more work up. 

The first thing to do is ask your doctor to get a chest x-ray and a referral to a lung specialist. Asthma may be related to the heart but this can easily be ruled out by obtaining an x- ray. There are many other causes of the lung that can mimic asthma and most of them are serious. If your doctor does not intend to work you up more thoroughly, you need a new doctor.