Asthma Inhalers: What Are They and How They Work
Almost all asthmatics require the use of asthma inhalers even if they are taking some kind of oral medication. There are several different types of inhalers:
- Aerosol from a canister (better known as a “metered dose”) is probably the most popular type
- An inhaler device that delivers a powder that is inhaled into the lungs
- A nebulizer that delivers the asthma medication as a mist
When using asthma inhalers with the metered dose it is extremely important that the proper technique is used.
Recommended Technique for Metered Dose Asthma Inhalers
- Shake well. Be sure to shake the inhaler several times before each use
- Do not lie down; stand with your head up straight
- Exhale as much as possible until you feel you have no more air inside your lungs then insert the asthma inhalers mouthpiece into your mouth sealing it with your lips
- After you have sealed the mouthpiece start to breathe in and simultaneously press down one time and only one time on the canister to release a single dose
- Pull the device out of your mouth and continue to try and breathe through your open mouth for four to five seconds until your lungs are full of air
- After your lungs are full of air hold your breath for at least ten seconds
- Exhale
- If after step seven you still aren’t breathing properly repeat steps one-seven
Incorrect asthma inhalers technique can cause poor delivery of your medication to the lungs. This most likely will occur if your delivery is late when inhaling and pressing once on the canister, a released puff half way through the process will be lost.
Spacers
A spacer is a device that has a chamber that receives the aerosol before it is inhaled. These spacers serve two functions for in asthma inhalers:
The first is to compensate the difficulties in timing of the actual inhalation and the actuation of the canister. The second function is to slow down the speed at which the aerosol impacts the back of the throat.
It should be noted that spacers are not foolproof, there is still some timing required on the part of the user. If the asthma inhaler is activated on the exhausting of the breath instead of the inhalation then you will loose at least half of your medication.
