One of the most serious chronic diseases that poison the lives of millions of people around the world is bronchial asthma. Both adults and children suffer from it. Asthma is characterized by the fact that chronic inflammation causes a strong sensitivity of the bronchi. And in the presence of provoking factors, their spasm occurs, during which a person feels suffocation. Attacks of bronchial asthma are very dangerous in that you need to respond immediately, otherwise the patient begins to suffocate, and death can occur without medication. In recent decades, new effective drugs for the treatment of this disease have appeared. It is best to use an asthma inhaler, as it provides the fastest penetration of the drug into the respiratory tract. Moreover, now there are many of their varieties, and the patient can choose the right one for himself. All people with asthma should always carry an inhaler with them so that they can respond quickly in case of an attack.
Features of the disease
- The inflammatory process in the bronchi is chronic.
- Asthmatics often torment coughing and shortness of breath.
- An asthmatic attack can occur at any time in contact with an allergen, stress or hypothermia.
- Asthma is an incurable disease, so medications usually need to be taken continuously. In the mildest cases, treatment is required only during the attack period.
Asthma Remedies
Inhalers are the best way to deliver drugs instantly to the airways. During an asthma attack, often the patient does not have time to wait for the injection or tablet to work. Therefore, inhalers are used in emergency cases. And in the period between seizures, the usual remedies are used for treatment: tablets, syrups or injections. For the prevention of attacks, Ventolin or Brikail are often used. Inhalations are also rarely given to young children, and the medicine for them is used in the form of a syrup. All asthma medications can be divided into two groups:
- bronchodilators, which relieve spasm of the muscles of the bronchi, dilate blood vessels and thereby facilitate breathing to the patient;
- anti-inflammatory drugs are used in courses to relieve inflammation and swelling in the bronchi.
In addition, a hormonal inhaler for asthma has recently spread. Due to the fact that the drug is administered in small doses and immediately into the respiratory tract, it is devoid of all the negative effects of hormonal tablets, and the effect of it is higher than that of other drugs.
What is an inhaler
Inhalation as a method of treating respiratory diseases has been known since antiquity. People inhaled smoke from burned medicinal plants or steam from their decoction. Over time, the procedure improved: from burning leaves on a fire to a clay pot with a straw inserted in it. A modern asthma inhaler has nothing to do with such methods, since it must meet many requirements. The first device for these purposes appeared back in 1874, now there are many of its varieties. Each of them has its pros and cons, and only a doctor can decide which inhaler is better for asthma for a particular patient. But they are all designed to deliver the drug to the bronchi as soon as possible and to facilitate the patient’s breathing. The medicine in the device is divided into very small particles, which quickly penetrate the lungs. Therefore, now an asthma inhaler is the best remedy. An effective replacement has not yet been invented.
What are inhalers
Now many means are used to stop asthma attacks. They differ in size, method of supply of the drug and type of drug. Pocket inhalers are the most common. With bronchial asthma, the following are most often used:
- Powder inhalers with a dispenser allow you to accurately enter the required dose of the drug. They are very easy to use, but they cost more than others.
- Liquid aerosols are the most inexpensive and common inhalers. Their disadvantage is that they are effective only if the patient takes a breath simultaneously with the release of the drug.
In addition, there are stationary inhalers that are inconvenient to use during attacks, but they are used to prevent them:
- Nebulizers - using a compressor or ultrasound, they break down the drug into very small particles that reach the most distant corners of the respiratory tract.
- The adapter for a conventional inhaler can also be used in stationary conditions. It is called a spacer and helps to deliver medicine only by inhalation.
How to choose the right inhaler
After examining the patient, the doctor prescribes a medicine for him, which is designed to help in the prevention and relief of attacks. When choosing an inhaler, you need to focus on the advice of a doctor. But when buying, you should also pay attention to such characteristics:
- the inhaler should be convenient to use, best of all - pocket;
- it is very important that it is easy to use. Then the patient, even during an attack, will be able to help himself;
- best if the inhaler has the ability to dose the drug;
- the price also affects the choice of inhaler. This item is an essential tool for an asthma patient, and you have to buy it often.
The most common asthma inhalers
Their list is constantly expanding, new drugs are being created, they are becoming more convenient and safer. Usually, the doctor prescribes a drug that is more suitable for the patient. It can be bronchodilators or anti-inflammatory drugs. They are already available in the form of an inhaler or solution for use in a nebulizer. Bronchodilators include:
- adrenomimetics stimulate bronchial receptors and dilate capillaries. They have a quick action and are often used to relieve an attack. These are Salbutamol, Levalbuterol, Terbutaline and others;
- M-cholinergic blockers provide relaxation of the bronchi. In asthma, Atrovent is used;
- methylxanthines block some enzymes in the body. Due to this, the patient's breathing is facilitated. These include Theophylline and Aminophylline.
Anti-inflammatory drugs are mainly used for the treatment and prevention of seizures. It can be:
- glucocorticoids effectively relieve bronchial edema. This is Fluticasone, Beclamethasone or Budesonide;
- mast cell membrane stabilizers are most often used in pediatrics: Cromoline and Nedocromil;
- in cases where asthma does not respond to treatment with other drugs, "Omalizumab" containing antiimmunoglobulin E. is used.
Which inhalers are better
It is difficult to answer this question, since the approach should be strictly individual. Only a doctor after a full examination of the patient can determine which drug and in what form will be effective. The best inhaler for asthma is the one that quickly stops the attack, does not cause side effects and is convenient to use. Which of them are the most common?
- Symbicort Turbuhaler contains budesonide and formoterol. Both of these substances have a quick effect, have anti-inflammatory effects and are well tolerated. This asthma inhaler is powder, with a strict dosage of the drug.
- Salbutamol is suitable for both adults and children. It acts quickly and rarely causes side effects.
The benefits of a pocket inhaler
It has the shape of a spray can, in which the drug is under high pressure and when pressed on the cap is discharged into the respiratory tract. It is in this form that it is most convenient to use drugs to stop asthma attacks. Indeed, in many cases it is very important to apply treatment in the first seconds. A pocket inhaler can always be carried with you - it is small in size and weighs very little. This is especially convenient for those who rarely go home and lead an active lifestyle. Using such an inhaler is quite easy, and even children can cope with it. An attack can happen at any time, so it is very important that the medicine is always at hand. Pocket inhalers are powder and liquid. Which is better to choose, the doctor can tell. The advantages of this type of inhaler also include the fact that the drug is supplied in strictly defined portions, which helps to prevent its overdose.
Baby treatment
From the age of three, children can use an inhaler. Usually this does not cause negative emotions in the child, which cannot be said about injections.
For a more accurate dosage of the drug, it is recommended that young children use a spacer, which, using a special valve, delivers the medicine only by inhalation. Later you can do without it. What inhalers for asthma are used for children? Powder is best used as it is easier to dose. In this regard, Symbicort Turbuhaler is quite convenient and safe.
How to use a pocket inhaler
- remove the lid from the can;
- turn it upside down;
- the thumb should be located below, and the middle or index finger - at the bottom of the spray can;
- shake well, and in some types of inhalers you need to turn the disk several times back and forth;
- exhale;
- bring the inhaler to your mouth and grip the mouthpiece tightly with your lips;
- take a deep breath through the mouth, while simultaneously pressing on the bottom of the spray can;
- hold your breath for 5 seconds and pull the inhaler from your mouth;
- exhale slowly.
After a minute, you can inject a second dose of the drug if necessary.
Safety Rules for an Asthma Patient
- a person with any form of the disease should always have at hand a means to stop the attack. Care must be taken not to forget the asthma inhaler when leaving the house. You need to know or write down its name in order to purchase it in a pharmacy if necessary;
- Do not use inhalers more than 8 times a day. If the seizures recur or the drug does not help, you should consult a doctor;
- when using an inhaler, it is necessary to familiarize yourself with the instructions - it is often recommended to rinse your mouth after using it, otherwise the drug may cause stomatitis or thrush;
- in addition to the use of medications prescribed by your doctor, it’s important to lead a healthy lifestyle for the prevention of seizures: avoid tobacco smoke, various allergens, dose physical activity, do not get nervous and do not get too cold.