Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects people of all ages. It is caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways, which makes it harder to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. These symptoms can be mild or severe and can come and go over time.
Although asthma cannot be cured, effective treatments are available. The goals of asthma treatment are to limit symptoms, prevent asthma attacks and avoid side effects of asthma medicines. The most common treatment is an inhaler.
Types of Inhalers
Reliever inhalers contain short-acting bronchodilator medicines (SABAs) that widen (dilate) the airways (bronchi). A reliever inhaler is used when needed to ease symptoms of breathlessness, wheeziness or feeling tight-chested. The medicine in a reliever inhaler relaxes the muscle in the airways which opens the airways wider.
Preventer inhalers usually contain a steroid medicine (inhaled corticosteroids). These are taken every day to help prevent asthma attacks and to reduce symptoms of asthma. Steroids work by reducing the inflammation in the airways thereby easing symptoms such as wheezing.
Long-acting bronchodilator inhalers (LABAs) work in a similar way to relievers, but work for up to 12 hours after each dose has been taken. A LABA will be added alongside a steroid inhaler if symptoms are not fully controlled by the steroid inhaler alone. This may be in two separate asthma inhalers or in a combined inhaler.
Inhaler vs Nebulizer
An inhaler is a handheld, portable device that delivers asthma medicine to your lungs. The medicine inside an inhaler goes straight into the airways when breathed in. This means that a much smaller dose is needed than if it were to be taken as a tablet or liquid by mouth. The airways and lungs are treated but little of the medicine gets into the rest of the body.
A nebulizer is a medical equipment that can help deliver asthma medication directly to the lungs and the respiratory system for maximum targeted effect. It turns liquid medicine into a very fine mist that a person can inhale through a face mask or mouthpiece. This mode of medication delivery is called nebulization. A nebulizer is generally prescribed for people who can’t use an inhaler, such as infants, young children, people who are very ill or people who need large doses of medicine.
How to choose the right inhaler?
Find a balance between the correct medicine and the type of inhaler that suits your needs and your ability to use the inhaler correctly. Training from your doctor is essential to learning how to use your inhaler correctly.
How to use an inhaler
- Remove the cap.
- Hold the inhaler upright and shake it before use.
- Breathe out fully.
- Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it.
- Breate in deeply as you press the canister down to deliver the dose.
- Holde your breath for 5 to 10 seconds, then breathe out.
- If you need to take another dose, repeat from step 2.
- Replace the cap.
Summary of Types of Inhalers
| Type of Inhaler | Key Component/Medicine | Purpose | Usage |
| Reliever Inhaler | Short-acting bronchodilators (SABAs) | Widen (dilate) the airways to ease symptoms of breathlessness, wheezing, or tightness. | Used as needed for immediate relief. |
| Preventer Inhaler | Steroid medicine (inhaled corticosteroids) | Reduce inflammation in the airways to prevent asthma attacks and reduce symptoms like wheezing. | Taken daily for long-term prevention. |
| Long-acting Bronchodilator Inhaler |
Long-acting bronchodilators (LABAs) | Maintain airway dilation for up to 12 hours, often used with steroids if symptoms are uncontrolled. | Used regularly; may be combined with a steroid inhaler. |
Consult your doctor about the asthma inhaler that’s right for you. Shop at Watsons for asthma medications and other essential healthcare needs.
References:
- https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma. Accessed 4 November 2024
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-treatment/art-20044284. Accessed 4 November 2024
- https://patient.info/chest-lungs/asthma-leaflet/asthma-inhalers. Accessed 25 October 2024
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324947. Accessed 25 October 2024
- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/how-to-use-an-inhaler. Accessed 25 October 2024