How does Ventolin help people with asthma?
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, around 12% of the UK population has been diagnosed with asthma. There is no cure for asthma. But you can buy an inhaler to manage the symptoms.
Types of inhalers for asthma treatment
Your doctor can recommend a preventer, symptom controller, or reliever inhaler to manage asthma symptoms. Each option has different colours – blue for relievers, green for symptom controllers, and orange or yellow for preventers. The distinct colours help eliminate confusion due to the differences in the ingredients and medical functions. Doctors can prescribe preventer inhalers with steroid medicine to stop the symptoms from developing by reducing the inflammation and sensitivity of the airways. But most people with asthma use relievers, such as Ventolin inhalers. If you have asthma, you can buy a Ventolin inhaler online to treat or prevent the symptoms.
The main difference between preventer and reliever inhalers is the usage frequency. People with asthma use preventer inhalers every day to stop the symptoms from occurring. But you don’t have to use reliever inhalers daily. Reliever inhalers have few side effects. They can cause shakiness and a faster heartbeat. You may also experience headaches after using an inhaler. But headaches usually go away after the first week when your body gets used to the asthma medication in the inhaler. Drink plenty of fluids and reduce alcohol intake to hasten your recovery. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience severe side effects.
What does Ventolin do?
Ventolin inhalers contain salbutamol sulfate, also known as albuterol, which belongs to the bronchodilators class of drugs. This active drug ingredient helps prevent and treat asthma symptoms, including bronchospasm, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. People with asthma experience bronchospasm, where the muscles in the airways tighten, leading to breathing difficulties. Ventolin for asthma treatment improves breathing by relaxing respiratory muscles.
Ventolin inhalers relieve symptoms when they occur. These reliever inhalers come in two sizes with 60 or 200 puffs. Each inhalation delivers 90 mcg of albuterol. And each inhaler has a built-in dose counter where you can check how many inhalations are left in the device. Salbutamol inhalers also come in different colours. But doctors recommend blue Ventolin inhalers for asthma patients. People with asthma can buy Ventolin inhalers online in the UK from approved pharmacists.
Can anyone use an inhaler?
Asthma medications boost air intake into the lungs by relaxing the airways and reducing inflammation. So, you can use an inhaler if you have a tight chesty cough, hay fever, or other respiratory conditions. But using an inhaler without asthma is not recommended because some people are allergic to salbutamol. Signs of an allergic reaction to salbutamol include skin rashes, breathing or talking difficulties, and swollen mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat. You may need immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms after using an inhaler. So, doctors only prescribe salbutamol as a quick-relief drug to people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to avoid unnecessary risks.
Patients of all ages can use asthma Ventolin inhalers to treat or prevent the symptoms. But the Ventolin dosage prescribed by doctors varies depending on several factors, including the severity of the condition, age, and response to treatment. Typically, patients start asthma treatment on a low salbutamol dosage. Then, the doctor adjusts the dosage over time until it provides the desired effect.
Pregnant women can use Ventolin inhalers. Salbutamol works in the lungs. So, you don't have to worry about salbutamol reaching or harming your baby during pregnancy. You can also use your blue salbutamol inhaler while breastfeeding. However, some medicines like bisoprolol, diuretics, antidepressants, and MAO inhibitors can affect how salbutamol works. Ensure you inform your doctor about all prescribed drugs to avoid risks.
How to use Ventolin inhalers
Ventolin inhalers are used on an as-needed basis. You can use your reliever inhaler when you experience asthma symptoms. Doctors recommend one or two puffs of Ventolin every 4 to 6 hours. Salbutamol can also prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm. You can take two puffs 15 to 30 minutes before engaging in rigorous physical activities, such as sports and fitness routines. Only take the recommended dose to treat or prevent sudden breathing problems. Here are five inhaler usage best practices:
Ø Follow your doctor’s or healthcare provider’s instructions on albuterol dosage and inhaler usage.
Ø Shake your Ventolin inhaler well before each inhalation to dispense the correct amount of the drug.
Ø Hold your breath for 10 seconds after each puff to ensure the drug reaches your lungs.
Ø Wait at least 1 minute between puffs if you are taking two inhalations.
Ø Always have your reliever inhaler with you.
The last thing you need is for your inhaler to run out of salbutamol when experiencing asthma symptoms. Use the dosage counter to keep track of the number of inhalations left, and refill your inhaler before it runs out. You can also use a spacer with your inhaler to ensure you get the correct amount of salbutamol into the lungs. Spacers are metal or plastic mouthpieces with a hole for the inhaler. Doctors recommend these inhaler add-ons for young children to simplify the administration of Ventolin. But spacers can also help adults who find it challenging to use an inhaler. Ensure your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse shows you how to use a spacer with your Ventolin inhaler.
Store your Ventolin inhaler at room temperature of 20°C to 25°C. Qualified pharmacists attach an expiration date to the inhaler’s label. As a general rule, the medication is usable within 1 year from the date it was dispensed. Don't use expired Ventolin inhalers. You can ask your pharmacist how to dispose of expired medication to protect the environment, children, and pets.
Bottom Line
Asthma can't be cured. But you don’t have to endure breathing difficulties. You can use preventer and reliever inhalers to manage the symptoms. Ventolin inhalers contain salbutamol or albuterol, which helps prevent and treat coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. You can order Ventolin online to manage asthma symptoms. Ensure you buy your Ventolin inhaler in the UK from an approved and trusted pharmacy.