How Does an Asthma Inhaler Work?

A person suffering from asthma, will have an attack, when ones immune system reacts to the inhalation of various irritants. These irritants can take the form of dust, smoke, and even cold weather. Stress can also cause an attack of asthma. This irritation activates the immune system and causes inflammation of the nasal pathways. It also causes the muscles at this area to become constricted. This leads to the near closure of the airway and causes wheezing and breathing trouble. The immune system causes mucus to build up in the lungs, and an asthma patient, will experience a coughing fit.

The portable asthma inhaler aids in providing the required drug to alleviate the asthma attack. The asthma inhaler works by reducing the inflammation in the airways. The inhaler delivers the required dosage to the patient. The drug can be delivered by inhaling through the mouth or nasally. The drugs used will depend on the asthma attack faced by the person.

There are various types of inhalers and can be classified as pressurised metered dose inhalers (MDIs), breath-activated inhalers - MDIs and dry powder inhalers, inhalers with spacer devices and nebulizer.

The pressurised metered inhalers use an inactive gas to inject the drug. Pushing down the top of the inhaler, releases the drug and it has to be inhaled. It is also small and easy to carry. Some inhalers have meters which can indicate the number of doses that remain for use. Otherwise, one will have to count the doses to keep track. The drawback is that, it requires coordination, as the person has to press down and inhale at the same time.

The drug is discharged by just breathing on the mouth piece and is easier to operate than the pressurised one. Though, Inhalation has to be done forcefully for the drug to be released.

Inhalers with spacer devices are much easier to operate than the other kinds. Inhaling through the mouth piece causes the spacer to releases the drug. A valve stops the drug from exiting the spacer when one breathes out. In some types of spacers, a face mask can be fitted instead of a mouthpiece.

Nebulizers convert the drug into the form of a mist. This can be breathed in with a face mask or mouth piece. This drug delivery system is used in hospitals where there are severe cases of asthma.

One must consider several issues, before choosing inhaler for use. This is because, some medications can only be used with certain of inhalers. People suffering from asthma should take adequate precautions to avoid being exposed to stressful situations, dirt, dust, smoke, or anything that can trigger an attack. In choosing the right inhaling mechanism, they can overcome an asthma attack.

Easy Tips For Effective Asthma Monitoring

There are several easy to use strategies that can increase the effectiveness of any asthma treatment plan. Although your symptoms may be well managed by medications, it is important to remember that the more pro-active you are in managing your asthma, the more you will find that your symptoms are under control. Following these guidelines will give you the tools you need to live a healthier and more active life.

Developing an asthma action plan is one of the most important things you can do to live a happy healthy life even though you have asthma. An action plan should include all your important medical information that would be needed in case of a severe attack requiring emergency intervention. It should include a list of asthma triggers, the name a dosage of daily medications and the name and dosage of rescue medication, as well as emergency telephone numbers. Your plan will include a description of your asthma zones and the action to be taken for each zone. Gathering this information together and making sure it is readily available is much easier if you make it a part of a daily asthma diary.

An asthma diary is used to record all of your daily observations, possible triggers, PEF readings and a description of your asthma zones. Total honesty in recording your symptoms, no matter how small, is very important.

There are many sample asthma diary forms available online or you can design a chart that works for you. These forms can be organized neatly in an attractive folder system or in a loose leaf binder. Include a copy of your action plan at the beginning of your diary. The most important thing is to make sure to use this diary every day to get a more complete picture of how effective your treatment plan really is for your needs. Try to choose a format that is easily carried, so that you can take your diary with you. Another option is to have a portable diary and then transfer any information to your main one at the end of the day.

A record of peak expiratory flow, or PEF, readings in a key component your asthma diary. Measure your PEFs before you take any asthma medication. Compare your reading with your asthma zones. When you find that your reading is less than 80% of your recorded best reading, be prepared to take the appropriate action in your action plan.

Once you have been keeping your asthma diary for a while, it is important to evaluate the information you have gathered. Ask yourself about any changes in symptoms or increase in attacks and try to pinpoint the reasons.

Always take your asthma diary to your doctor visits and discuss any changes or problems that you have observed. Your doctor can review your medications and make necessary adjustment with the help of the valuable information you have gathered.

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