Asthma Inhaler
What is an Asthma Inhaler?
An Asthma Inhaler or "Puffer" is a device that delivers a specific volume of medication to the lungs. The MDI(metered dose inhaler) is the most common delivery system and is inhaled by the patient by supplying a rapid burst of medicine.
Actuation of the inhaler releases a single metered dose of medication when pressing down on the canister which results in a fine mist spray that consists of micro sized medication particles which are then inhaled by the user to reach the lungs.
Asthma Inhaler Spacers
A metered dose inhaler is sometimes used with a holding chamber or spacer. This acts as a reservoir to reduce the speed which the aerosol enters the users mouth. This makes it so much easier to use the inhaler and ensures more medication gets into the lungs. Spacers are helpful to both adults and children who find it hard to use a regular metered dose inhaler.
Dry Powder Inhaler
Another alternative of the inhaler is the DPI(Dry Powder Inhaler). This device is also aerosol based but delivers a dry powder form of medication when inhaled. These are only suitable for adults and older children as the force of the patients inhalation can determine whether enough dosage has been discharged into the lungs. It can be quite distressing for a child if they cannot get their medication to the lungs as required.
Nebuliser
Another type of Asthma Inhaler is a Nebuliser. This device produces an aerosol vapour of the drug. You may need to use a face mask or mouthpiece to inhale the vapour from it.
As opposed to other varieties of an inhalers, you require no co-ordination and you just inhale and exhale as you would normally. This type of Asthma Inhaler is more commonally used in hospitals for severe asthma attacks as they can provide a larger dose of the prescribed inhaled medication.
As with all medications, your general practitioner or nurse will recommend the best Asthma Inhaler for your condition.
Leading a healthy and fulfilled life starts with effective Asthma Prevention.