Having the right inhaler means having life saving medication when you need it.
But if you don’t know what your options are, how can you pick the right one?
The right inhaler depends on the type of medication you use and how severe your condition is.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of inhalers and which one might be right for you.
Different Types of Inhalers
Inhalers can be used for prevention, relief from asthma symptoms, and long-term relief from asthma.
A prevention inhaler has steroid which reduces inflammation.
This keeps the airway clear and breathing easy.
The relief inhaler has bronchodilator medicine.
It’s used to relieve symptoms of asthma like wheezing or lose of breath. It can be used when symptoms are aggravated.
The long-lasting inhaler contains the same medication as the relief inhaler.
The major difference between these inhaler options is that the long-lasting inhaler lasts up to 12 hours after use.
Inhaler Devices
You have a few options when it comes to inhaler devices.
Metered dose inhalers, nebulizers, and dry powder inhalers are the three main type of inhaler devices.
A metered dose inhaler is a small canister of medication inside a plastic case.
There is a small mouthpiece that releases the medication when pressed.
The metered dose inhaler can be used when an individual is experiencing symptoms or as prevention.
The metered dose is named as such because it gives a consistent reliable dose of medication every time.
Some metered dose inhalers even have a counter to track how many doses you have used.
The nebulizer inhaler device transforms the asthma medication into a breathable mist.
If an individual has a hard time using na inhaler, a doctor may recommend a nebulizer instead.
It’s often used by infants and the elderly. Nebulizers are used as prevention inhalers and in emergency situations.
The last type of inhaler device is a dry powder inhaler.
They are similar to the metered dose inhaler except that it requires the user to breathe deeply to get the medication directly into the lungs.
The dry powder inhaler is best for prevention because in an emergency the user may not be able to take a deep breath.
The dry powder inhaler is good to have if you have your asthma symptoms under control or as a supplement to your emergency inhaler.
This dry powder inhaler might also be a good option for you if you are interested in saving money on your medication.
Get The Best Inhaler Today
Talk to your doctor about the best inhaler choice for you.
Taking care of your asthma symptoms can protect you in the short term and long term. So don’t wait to find the right inhaler.
Always follow your doctor’s instructions on medication type and dosage.
For more health, wellness, and lifestyle advice check out some of my other blogs!