Asthma inhaler: when should you use it?
There are several types of inhalers:
- the spray (or pressurized metered dose aerosol)
- dry powder inhaler
- the nebulizer.
Each delivers a solution that will be deposited directly in the bronchi. In this form, the dose necessary to obtain the desired effect is lower than with a tablet or capsule and its action is faster, because it does not need to be assimilated through the bloodstream beforehand. Patients with respiratory diseases such as asthma can relieve their symptoms within minutes.
In some cases, in order to suppress or prevent an attack, we must add an inhaled background treatment, to be taken daily. For asthma, these are anti-inflammatories (corticosteroids) which may or may not be combined with long-acting bronchodilators. “It is estimated that 80 to 90% of people who suffer from it have well-controlled asthma thanks to their background treatment; this avoids many visits to the emergency room. It is therefore important that the asthmatic adheres to it” notes Dr. Pauline Roux-Claude, pulmonologist at the University Hospital of Besançon.
>> You never stop your long-term treatment! When you have a long-term treatment, you must not take the liberty of stopping it because you no longer have symptoms. “In France, asthma kills 900 people a year, some of which could be avoided if patients follow their treatment properly,” insists our expert. To be able to react immediately in the event of a crisis, you must also ensure that you always have your emergency treatment on you.
When should a spacer be associated with the inhaler?
The spacer is only compatible with sprays. This accessory, in which the nozzle of the aerosol is housed, is particularly recommended for young children and very old people who do not yet have – or no longer have – the “hand-lung” synchronization reflexes or who do not can’t hold an apnea for several seconds. In this case, the inhaled product would be likely to concentrate in the mouth and not descend to the bronchi.
Asthma inhaler: does it wash off?
Above all, the appliance must not come into contact with water. Otherwise, the risk is to “drown” its internal mechanism and then no longer be able to use it. “If you really want to clean it, you can run a dry cloth over the mouthpiece.” specifies the pulmonologist
Our expert : Dr. Pauline Roux-Claudé, pulmonologist at the University Hospital of Besançon
Read also :
- Why are women more affected by asthma than men?
- Allergic asthma: the 6 main allergens
- Asthma: what if the disease also had its sidekick?
