Which is the best asthma inhaler?
People with asthma in the UK can use an inhaler to manage the symptoms. But there are several types of inhalers with unique active drug ingredients. Each option caters to specific medical needs. So, which is the best asthma inhaler?
How do doctors treat asthma?
Asthma is a condition where the airways tighten, leading to breathing difficulties. There is no cure for asthma. But people with asthma can use inhalers to prevent asthma attacks or relieve symptoms.
Asthma inhalers are categorized based on medication and delivery mechanism. The best inhaler for you should strike a balance between the two elements.
Most people use metered dose inhalers (MDIs) with a pressurized canister containing medication and a boot-shaped plastic mouthpiece. You push the canister into the boot to release the drug. One example of MDI is Ventolin inhaler boots.
Another type of inhaler is dry powder inhaler (DPI). This device doesn't use a chemical propellant to push the medication out of the chamber.
So, you'll have to breathe in deep and fast to release the drug. Another device is a soft mist inhaler with a low-velocity aerosol mist. This propellant-free device dispenses the medication slower than MDIs and DPIs.
Children can use mist inhalers with a face mask or a valved holding chamber to ensure they inhale the accurate dose.
Your doctor can recommend a reliever inhaler to ease asthma symptoms. These quick-relief inhalers relax the muscles around your airways to help you breathe easier.
Most people with asthma use short-acting beta-agonists, like Ventolin inhalers, to treat asthma symptoms. You can buy a Ventolin inhaler in the UK from registered pharmacies.
Other quick-relief asthma inhalers contain epinephrine or levalbuterol. Doctors also use anticholinergics to open the airways and reduce mucus products. But these medications take longer to work than short-acting beta-agonists.
Some people with asthma need preventer inhalers to treat symptoms and prevent attacks. These medications contain corticosteroids which reduce mucus build-up and swelling in the airways.
The active ingredient also helps minimize sensitivity and reaction to asthma triggers. Your doctor can recommend a combination asthma inhaler with an anticholinergic and long-acting or short-acting beta-agonist.
This treatment option can help reduce swelling and open your airways. Doctors also use biologics to target cells or proteins in your body.
You’ll have to take a shot or infusion every few weeks to prevent airway inflammation. But biologics are expensive and recommended if other medications don’t work.
You can also take leukotriene modifiers to ease swelling and relax the smooth muscles around your airways. Leukotriene modifiers include montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton.
How do you choose the best asthma inhaler?
How do you choose the best asthma inhaler?
Inhalers are portable, hand-held devices with a small container and a nozzle that dispenses the medication through the mouth into the lungs and airways.
They can help prevent or relieve wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and other asthma symptoms. But asthma conditions vary in terms of severity and frequency of attacks.
So, there is a one-fits-all inhaler for all asthma patients. You can use a reliever inhaler if you experience minor and infrequent symptoms or exercise-induced asthma.
However, people with persistent asthma may also need long-term control medication. Talk to your doctor to recommend the best asthma inhaler to treat your condition.
Inhalers use bronchodilators to relax the muscles in the airways and anti-inflammatories to reduce swelling and mucus. You can get a Ventolin inhaler to treat the symptoms of asthma attacks.
This reliever inhaler has salbutamol, which works in the lungs. So, Ventolin inhalers are safe for pregnant women. You can also use a Ventolin inhaler while breastfeeding.
Reliever asthma inhalers have few side effects. But some medicines can affect how salbutamol works. Inform your doctor if you use bisoprolol, diuretics, MAO inhibitors, or antidepressants.
You’ll need a preventer inhaler to stop asthma symptoms from occurring. People with asthma use preventer inhalers daily.
But you only take reliever inhalers as needed. So, you’ll puff your Ventolin inhaler when you experience an asthma attack to treat the symptoms.
Your doctor can prescribe two or more inhalers if you have severe or uncontrolled asthma. Another option is to use a combination inhaler with two or three medications.
But a Ventolin inhaler is the best option for most people with asthma. You can buy Ventolin online from registered pharmacies.
Frequently asked questions about asthma inhalers:
Can anyone use an asthma inhaler?
Patients of all ages can use Ventolin inhalers to treat or prevent asthma symptoms. But the dosage varies depending on the severity of the condition, age, and response to treatment.
Most doctors start their patients on a low dose. Then, they’ll adjust the dosage over time until it provides the desired effect.
Children and older adults can use Ventolin inhaler boots with a spacer to ensure they inhale the recommended dose. A spacer holds medication in a tube between the inhaler and your mouth after it's released.
How do you use an asthma inhaler?
Follow the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you inhale the recommended dose. First, remove the cap and prime the device by squirting a few puffs in the air.
Then, stand or sit up straight and take a deep breath in and out to clear the lungs. Place the mouthpiece into the mouth and use your lips to create a tight seal.
Then, press the canister to release one puff while breathing in and hold the medication in the lungs for 10 seconds. Follow this step-by-step procedure if you’re using a metered dose inhaler (MDI).
Can you take more than the recommended puff from your inhaler?
The dosage depends on the severity of your asthma, symptoms, and age. Your asthma is not under control if you need to use your reliever inhaler more often than recommended.
Overusing medication can worsen your asthma attacks. Talk with your doctor about adjusting your dose or medicine if your symptoms don’t improve.
Bottom Line
Inhalers are the go-to treatment option for people with asthma. Your doctor can prescribe a reliever inhaler, like a Ventolin inhaler, to help you manage asthma symptoms.
Some people with severe asthma need a preventer or combined inhalers to control the condition. But most patients need Ventolin inhalers. You can buy Ventolin online in the UK. Ensure you get your Ventolin inhaler from a registered pharmacy.