Asthma medication is commonly administered through inhaler devices, or bronchodilators, although doctors sometimes prescribe medicine in pill form, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The inhalers bring medicine directly to the lungs to improve breathing or prevent asthma attacks, which lead to difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and a tight feeling in the chest. The right asthma treatment inhalers for each person depend on symptoms, particular triggers and what works best to keep the condition under control.
Types
Metered dose inhalers deliver inhaled medication for quick relief or for controlled medicine by pushing down on a canister, UpToDate explains. Dry powder inhalers contain a dose of medicine in fine powder form that is administered by breathing forcefully through the inhaler without squeezing the canister. Doctors do not usually recommend dry powder inhalers for elderly patients and people with nerve or muscle weakness.
Control
People with asthma use long-term control inhalers usually taken every day to help prevent symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids, the most commonly prescribed long-term medications, include fluticasone, mometasone, budesonide, and flunisolide, according to MayoClinic.com. The inhalers relieve swelling and inflammation in the airways to prevent sensitivity to certain substances that cause asthma episodes. Inhaled corticosteroids may also reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms. The medications may take several days or weeks to reach full effectiveness.
Combination
Long-acting beta agonists, such as formoterol and salmeterol, open the airways and reduce inflammation. People take long-acting beta agonists in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. Some inhalers contain both long-acting beta agonists and corticosteroids.
Side Effects
Long-term control medicines may cause side effects, but many doctors believe the benefits far outweigh the negative risks. Inhaled corticosteroids may have a lower risk for side effects than other inhalers. Side effects include a mouth infection called thrush that causes white patches. Users benefit from a holding chamber attached to the inhaler that helps to avoids contact with the mouth and throat.
Quick Relief
Short-acting beta agonists provide quick relief of symptoms during an asthma attack. Albuterol, levalbuterol and pirbuterol ease symptoms within minutes and work for several hours. Doctors usually prescribe ipratropium for emphysema and chronic bronchitis, but some asthmatics benefit from the medication's relaxation of the airways.
Prevention/Solution
People with asthma usually carry quick-relief inhalers with them in case of sudden flare-ups. Taking the medication at the first sign of symptoms can reduce the severity of attacks by rapidly opening the airways. Children with asthma learn to use quick-relief medicine to prepare for sudden asthma episodes. Short-acting inhalers should not be used to replace long-term control medicines, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute points out. Long-term control medication reduces inflammation to prevent or reduce asthma attacks.
