What Are The Different Types Of Inhalers – If you have asthma, you need at least one inhaler to control your symptoms—or even two different types. Asthma sufferers usually have blue and brown inhalers. Although the colors may vary, the purpose of the compounds in it varies from one inhaler to another.
The composition of inhalers is not really the whole drug – it also contains a propellant, as well as a small amount of stabilizing compounds. The propellants used used to be chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), but due to concerns about their destructive effects on the ozone layer, they began to be replaced by fluoroalkanes (HFAs) in the 1990s (although they were not fully phased out until 2012) *. This switch had an unexpectedly positive effect, as for budesonide it reduced the size of the liquid particles in the mist produced by spraying the inhaler. This fact alone caused the efficacy of the drug budesonide to increase by 2.6.
What Are The Different Types Of Inhalers
Medicines for asthma can generally be divided into two: medicine and prevention. The purpose of each is pretty self-explanatory: medications are used to reduce asthma symptoms when they occur, while prevention is used to prevent these symptoms from occurring in the first place. Different compounds are needed depending on which of the two results we want to make.
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The main compound used in the inhaler, usually blue in color, is salbutamol (known as albuterol in the US). This compound is what is known as a bronchodilator; it, and other similar compounds, work by stimulating receptors in the airway muscles, causing them to relax and expand, providing relief from asthma symptoms. It is these inhalers that asthma sufferers turn to when they have an asthma attack. The inhaler itself “sprays” the liquid it contains, turning it into a very fine mist that can be inhaled and then works on the muscles in the lungs.
The drugs need to work quickly, reach their maximum effect 5-20 minutes after the dose and last up to two hours. As such, it provides more or less instant relief from asthma symptoms. However, they do not act as a prevention of future asthma symptoms; therefore, different compounds are needed.
Prophylactics are usually steroids and are often taken as a spray in a similar way to painkillers. One of the most common is budesonide, often sold under the brand name “Pulmicort”; Another commonly used is beclamethasone dipropionate. These steroids work by reducing inflammation in the lungs and helping to keep the airways open and by reducing the sensitivity of the lung tissue to triggers. Unlike relievers, prophylaxis is not helpful in reducing asthma attacks; instead, a normal dose is required for its effects to occur.
Usually, prevention is taken every day and it can take up to 8 days for the positive effects to disappear. In addition, it can take up to 6 weeks for the medicine to reach its maximum effect. Even when a preventive effect is observed, this may wear off quickly if the usual dose is not maintained. For some patients, combination inhalers are offered that act as both relief and prevention.
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Both salbutamol and budesonide are on the World Health Organization’s list of essential medicines, which it defines as the most important medicines needed by primary health care systems. Budesonide also has other uses in the treatment of Crohn’s disease. Without these compounds, asthma sufferers’ lives would be much more difficult – and possibly shorter!
An earlier version of this article failed to clarify that although the phase-out of CFCs began in the 1990s, they were not fully phased out until much later (in 2012).
The image in this article is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. See instructions for using the website. Did you know that the Allergy & Asthma Network has an online store? Our most popular items are our posters, including our at-a-glance respiratory spray poster and asthma medicine card. The online store is filled with more than 60 resources for patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. You can buy posters, brochures, guides and even children’s books to help you manage your health. Most resources are available at little or no cost.
Here are some of the most popular resources that you may find useful. Visit our online store today to find out!
What Are The Different Types Of Inhalers Used For Treatment Of Asthma?
An inhaler? Biochemicals for injection? Medical procedures? Inhaler treatments for asthma can be confusing. This poster compares different treatment options, helps patients identify their inhalers, and is an excellent reference for patient education.
Posters are available in English and Spanish. There is a large poster (17” x 22”), a small poster (8.5” x 11”), 50 page blocks and a free digital download.
On the back of the 8.5″ x 11″ version of the poster is an asthma action plan for home and school. It is perfect for emergency rooms, emergency rooms, doctor’s offices and school health centers.
This colorful asthma medication chart helps patients check their breathing equipment at a glance. Many inhalers look similar on the outside, but the ingredients inside are very different. This inhalation chart provides side-by-side comparisons to help patients identify their medications and treatment options. It is also an excellent reference for patient education. This poster covers inhaler types, ingredients, aging, priming, shaking, cleaning, and more.
Comparison Between Traditional And Nontraditional Add On Devices Used With Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers
Our poster on respiratory devices shows important tools used to help patients manage their asthma. These include nebulizers, valve chambers, adapters, and an asthma action plan. This is a great resource for doctor’s offices and school health centers.
Understanding Asthma is a practical and easy-to-understand guide designed to empower patients to manage their asthma. You’ll learn about the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, get an overview of the different types of medications, and learn how to properly use inhalers, nebulizers, and valve chambers. The guide also includes information on exercise with asthma and advice on how to identify internal asthma triggers.
The manual is available in English and Spanish, both in print and as a free digital download.
Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction. Adrenaline is the first treatment. There are several types of epinephrine auto-injectors available with a prescription. Which option is right for you, your loved one, or your patient? This colorful poster provides a side-by-side comparison of epinephrine options. It also has patient assistance.
What Is A Nebulizer? Types, Uses, Cleaning, And More
This poster measures 8.5″ x 11″ in print and is also available as a free digital download.
Environmental allergies are a serious health problem that can interfere with daily activities and affect quality of life. This guide will help you understand the different types of allergies and their symptoms. It provides information about treatment options and how to manage your allergies so they don’t define you. Take steps today to feel better, breathe better and live better.
The guide is an excellent resource to provide to patients and is available in print and as a free digital download.
We use cookies for various purposes, including analytics and personalized marketing. By continuing to use the service, you agree to our use of cookies. Budesonide/formoterol is a combination of 2 drugs, budesonide and formoterol, in one inhaler. Examples include Symbicort Turbuhaler, Vannair inhaler and DuoResp Spiromax.
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Depending on the severity of your asthma symptoms, budesonide/formoterol can only be used as a therapeutic agent OR as a preventive and palliative agent.
Steroid inhalers are used prophylactically to prevent asthma symptoms. They are usually used every day, even when you have no symptoms. Preventive medications take days or weeks to work, so they should not be used for immediate relief of asthma symptoms.
Some types of inhalers contain steroid protection as well as a long-acting bronchodilator in one inhaler, for convenience, such as:
If you use your salbutamol or terbutaline inhaler more than twice a week, tell your doctor. You need to review your asthma medication.
Complex Inhalers Prevent Patients From Taking
Montelukast is a type of anti-inflammatory drug that comes in tablet form. It is used to prevent asthma symptoms. It is generally less effective than steroid inhalers for most asthmatics.
People react very differently to this drug – some very well and others not at all. Montelukast can be helpful if you have exertional and viral symptoms. It may also be helpful if you are intolerant to inhalers or do not respond to inhalers. Montelukast can be used in addition to steroid inhalers.
Montelukast is generally well tolerated. It has a rare risk of causing stomach upset, agitation and mood changes. Read more about montelukast.
Prednisone is a tablet form of steroid that works very well to reduce swelling (inflammation) in your airways. If your asthma symptoms become severe or you have an asthma attack, your GP or asthma nurse may give you a short dose of prednisone tablets for a few days to help with your asthma.
How To Help Patients Optimise Their Inhaler Technique
Short doses of prednisone are safe and have no lasting side effects. If you need prednisone more than 2 times a year, your asthma cannot be controlled and you need to review your self-management plan with your doctor.
An inhaler is a device used to deliver medication to the airways. To take the medicine directly into the lungs, memory