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Writer's pictureWephysio MFC

Are you aware of Inhalers

What is inhaler ?

An inhaler is a device that gets medicine directly into a person's lungs. The medicine is a mist or spray that the person breathes in. Unlike a pill or liquid that is swallowed, an inhaler gets medicine right to the lungs. This helps people with asthma because the medicine works quickly to open up narrowed airways.


Use of Inhalers are beneficial than oral medication as they deliver medicine directly into Target site ,while minimizing the adverse side effects.


Conditions

  • Asthma

  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

  • Cough, wheezing and feeling breathless


Mechanism

After Drugs transferred to the lungs and they relive the symptoms and made airway open to ease the breath by relaxing the muscles around the airways and reducing the inflammation and swelling of air way.


Types of Inhalers



There are various types of inhalers according to purpose of them.

  • Reliever Inhalers

  • Preventer Inhalers

  • Long- acting bronchodilators

  • Combination Inhalers

  • Spacers


Reliever Inhalers

Act quickly to treat asthma symptoms and give emergency relief when you're having an asthma attack.

Every asthma patient and children under 5 who suspected of asthma are prescribed a reliver inhaler.


Types


  • Metered dose inhalers

  • Breath actuated inhalers

  • Dry powder inhalers


Drugs usually use 💊

Salbutamol

Fenoterol

Ipratropium bromide

Tiotropium



Preventer Inhalers

They relieve symptoms and prevent chance of symptoms arising on longtime by decreasing the sensitivity of air ways to triggers. Corticosteroids are usually used.

If asthma symptoms aren’t in control or feel of breathless, heavy cough, tightness in chest during sleep or for seasonal use these inhalers are prescribed.


Types


  • Metered dose inhalers

  • Breath actuated inhalers

  • Dry powder inhalers


Drugs usually use 💊

Ciclesonide

Beclomethasone

Budesonide

Fluticasone



Long- acting bronchodilators

These are prescribed with preventor inhaler. They keep air way open by relaxing surrounding muscles but don’t relieve asthma symptoms.


Types


  • LABAs (long acting Beta 2 agonist) - Usually prescribed for asthma

  • LAMAs (long acting muscarinic antagonist) - Usually prescribed for COPD

  • Theophylline (tablet or a capsule)


Drugs usually use💊

Formoterol

Salmeterol



Combination Inhalers

Combination of different kinds of drugs in a one inhaler.


  • Long-acting reliever and a corticosteroid preventer.

  • Long acting reliever medicine gives ongoing relief from symptoms such as breathlessness and a tight chest.

  • Preventer medicine helps prevent inflammation in your airways over the long term.

  • Prescribed when Asthma symptoms are not controlled by given usual medication.

  • Build protection for symptoms overtime.


Drugs usually use💊

Budesonide and Formoterol

Fluticasone and Salmeterol



Spacers

Tube-like devices that attach to inhalers and help you get the best from your medicine. Easier to get the right amount of medicine straight to your lungs. Reduce the risk of side effects from your medicine.



D. L. E. Senavirathna


References


  • https://www.asthma.org.uk/advice/inhalers-medicines-treatments/inhalers-and-spacers/

  • https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/inhaler.html#:~:text=An%20inhaler%20is%20a%20device,to%20open%20up%20narrowed%20airways.

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1 Comment


thaxilasanduni
thaxilasanduni
Jul 25, 2020

Good article👏

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