Millions of us use inhalers in the UK. For some, they're a lifesaver. For others, they provide welcome relief. For others still, they're more of a security blanket to be carried around in the bottom of the handbag just in case. Inhalers deliver medicine you need straight to your lungs. It goes without saying then, that they're used for conditions which affect your lungs, of which by far the most common are asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD. Because the medicine goes straight to where it's needed, you only need tiny amounts compared to the dose you'd need to take of the same medicine in tablet form.
That means fewer side effects and more effective treatment - as long as you take them properly. The wheeze and cough of asthma affect one in 20 adults and one in 10 children. Which inhalers you'll get depends on how severe, and how frequent, your symptoms are - but the aim is to keep you pretty much wheeze-free, so you only need to take a dose of 'reliever' medicine every few days at most to live a completely normal life.
In the early stages, you may only need an occasional dose of reliever medicine. As time goes on - especially if you keep smoking - you may find your ability to exercise becomes more limited. Once this happens you'll need to start taking regular inhalers. However, inhaled medicine will still help, even if your lungs aren't as young as they were. Reliever inhalers open up the airways in asthma and COPD. This means air can flow more freely into your lungs, relieving wheeze and breathlessness.
They start to work within minutes but their effect usually only lasts a few hours. Nebulizers use air or oxygen and deliver a mist of the medication through a tube or mask that fits over your nose and mouth. Dry powder inhalers or DPIs deliver medication, but they require a strong and fast inhalation. Unlike short-acting inhalers, long-acting inhalers do not work on muscle inflammation directly. Instead, they help the airways relax, allowing more air to pass through.
Hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece down. Place your lips around the mouthpiece so that you form a tight seal. As you start to slowly breathe in through your mouth, press down on the inhaler one time.
Keep breathing in slowly, as deeply as you can. Hold Your Breath. Take the inhaler out of your mouth. If you can, hold your breath as you slowly count to This lets the medicine reach deep into your lungs. Pucker your lips and breathe out slowly through your mouth. If you are using inhaled, quick-relief medicine beta-agonists , wait about 1 minute before you take your next puff.
You do not need to wait a minute between puffs for other medicines. Put the cap back on the mouthpiece and make sure it is firmly closed. After using your inhaler, rinse your mouth with water, gargle, and spit. Do not swallow the water. This helps reduce side effects from your medicine. Keep Your Inhaler Clean.
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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you? Products and services. By Mayo Clinic Staff. Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Hess D, et al. The use of inhaler devices in adults. Accessed May 19, Inhaled asthma medications.
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