Albuterol is a medication that is used in the treatment of asthma and other diseases that affect the body's airways and lungs. It is a quick-acting medication and can relieve the lung disease symptoms such as tightness in the chest, wheezing and difficulty with breathing. Albuterol is a bronchial dilator. It works by opening up the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier. Albuterol helps to relieve the symptoms of asthma and other lung diseases, but it is not a cure. There are two types of albuterol inhalers that use the liquid form of albuterol and one type that uses a powder form.
Metered-dose Inhaler
According to the Southwestern Medical Center, this is the most popular type of albuterol inhaler. Metered-dose inhalers use canisters that contain the liquid albuterol as well as a propellant and a mouthpiece. The patient inhales a dose by placing the mouthpiece in mouth and pressing down on the canister while breathing in. Some metered-dose inhalers come with a counter that counts the number of doses the canister delivers. The propellant in metered-dose inhalers used to be chlorofluorocarbons, but because of the possibility of damage to the Earth's ozone layer, the propellant has been changed to hydrofluoroalkanes.
Nebulizer
A nebulizer also uses the liquid form of albuterol. Nebulizers use machines with compressors to propel the liquid, which comes in vials and is put into the nebulizer reservoir. The reservoir is attached to a mouthpiece or a mask. When the machine is turned on, an albuterol mist is made in the nebulizer chamber and delivered to the mouthpiece of mask. The mist is breathed in until it can no longer be seen forming in the nebulizer chamber. According to the National Library of Medicine, this usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.
Dry Powder Inhaler
This type of inhaler can also be referred to as a rotary inhaler. Instead of the liquid form of albuterol, it uses a powder form. This inhaler is activated by breath and can be used for both children and adults.
