Asthma Inhaler Information

Overview

When asthma attacks strike, the inflamed air passages squeeze tighter and make catching your breath even more difficult. The use of anti-inflammatory medications, often steroids that are inhaled, is usually recommended to ease inflammation and control asthma symptoms, says the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). There are asthma inhaler medications that can control asthma symptoms and prevent an asthma attack, and those that are used in an emergency to stop an asthma attack. A combination of these asthma inhalers may be the best bet when it comes to better asthma management.

Inhaled Corticosteroids

Inhaled corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory medications that help to reduce swelling and narrowing of the airways, as well as reduce symptom-causing inflammation, says the AAAAI. These inhaled asthma medications are taken regularly to help prevent an asthma attack, so the AAAAI warns not to stop taking them if you're not experiencing symptoms.

Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Inhaled Medications

While not quite as effective as inhaled corticosteroids, the AAAAI notes that these types of inhaled asthma medications are safe to take. They also work to alleviate inflammation in the airways, minimize asthma symptoms and help prevent an asthma attack.

Bronchodilators

These non-steroid inhaled asthma medications are considered the emergency or rescue asthma inhalers. If you're having an asthma attack, you want a bronchodilator on hand to immediately alleviate your symptoms and get you breathing normally again. These inhaled asthma medications shouldn't be used regularly, however, notes the AAAAI.

Types of Asthma Inhalers

There are a few different types of inhaled asthma medications, but also different inhalers that can dispense the medication. Most often, people with asthma have a metered dose inhaler, says the AAAAI, which uses chemicals to expel the medication. Dry powder inhalers, or rotary inhalers, expel medication without the use of extra chemicals. A nebulizer expels a light mist of medication in liquid form via a mask on the face or a tube.

Using an Asthma Inhaler

To make sure that your medications are being used effectively, you need to know how to use the type of asthma inhaler that your doctor has prescribed. Follow the instructions for your particular type of inhaler, and always ask your doctor for clear directions on how to use it. Track how much of your medication you've used, advises the American Academy of Family Physicians, so that you don't run out. You can figure out how long a canister of medication lasts you, and label your medication with a refill date.

Controlling Asthma Symptoms

The best way to prevent asthma attacks is with regular use of your preventive asthma medication---not through frequent use of your emergency inhaler. If you're reaching for your bronchodilator more than twice a week, it means your asthma isn't being well controlled with other medications and you need to see your doctor, notes the AAAAI.