How should I take asthma inhalers?
Use your inhaler as prescribed by your doctor. Most metered dose inhalers are used by holding the mouthpiece down, placing your lips around the mouthpiece, and forming a tight seal. As you breathe in through your mouth, press down on the inhaler to release the asthma medication. Breathe in slowly and deeply until you're finished inhaling the dose.
Who shouldn’t take asthma inhalers?
To make sure oral corticosteroids are safe for you, talk to your doctor either through a traditional in-person visit or an online doctor consultation if you have any of the following health conditions:
How long does it take for asthma inhalers to work?
Short-acting bronchodilators, or "rescue" inhalers, start working to relieve symptoms within 15–20 minutes. The effects of this type of inhaled medicine usually last between four and six hours.
Unlike a rescue inhaler, a long-acting bronchodilator/inhaled steroid combinationtakes longer to relieve symptoms. When you start taking medication for long-term control, it may take several days and possibly up to 4 weeks before you notice symptom improvement.
What should I avoid with asthma inhalers?
If you're using an inhaler to control asthma symptoms, take steps to avoid common asthma triggers such as:
Do people with asthma use inhalers every day?
Yes, many people with asthma use inhalers once or twice daily. In most cases, inhaled corticosteroids are meant to be used daily to keep your airways healthy, even if you're not actively experiencing symptoms.
While some people don't need daily medication to manage asthma symptoms, everyone who has asthma should carry a rescue inhaler to manage sudden asthma attacks.
What is the most common inhaler for asthma?
The most commonly prescribed inhaler for asthma is ProAir HFA (albuterol). Albuterol is available as a nebulizer solution and as an inhaler used for quick relief of asthma symptoms
Do you need a prescription for an asthma inhaler?
No, you don't need a prescription for an inhaler. Over-the-counter inhalers are available at drugstores without any prescription, but these tend to be less effective at managing attacks and more likely to cause mild side effects. However, severe asthma and frequent attacks typically require prescription inhalers and a long-term care plan.
What is an inhaler used for?
Inhalers are the primary treatment for asthma and asthma attacks. Using your inhaler correctly delivers inhaled asthma medications to your lungs, where they work to control your symptoms or relieve sudden attacks.
