How should I take a bronchodilator?
Always use your bronchodilator medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider. It's important to use your bronchodilator properly to manage your symptoms and get the full medication dosage. Here's how to properly use your bronchodilator:
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First, shake the inhaler 10–15 times. Make sure the cap is tightened while you're shaking the medication.
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Remove the cap. Then, take a deep breath in and breathe out completely.
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Place your mouth around the mouthpiece or face mask, and press the inhaler down one time.
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Take a slow, deep breath through your mouth. If you hear a noise, you'll need to slow down your breathing.
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Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Be sure to count slowly so your medication can reach your lungs' airways and effectively treat your symptoms.
Repeat these steps for each puff your healthcare professional has recommended. For the best results, you should wait one minute between each puff.
When you're done taking your bronchodilator dose, tighten the cap on your inhaler. If you use inhaled corticosteroids, gargle water when you're finished taking the dose. Rinsing your mouth after using inhaled corticosteroids can help reduce unwanted side effects, such as dry mouth.
Who shouldn’t take bronchodilators?
To make sure bronchodilators are safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
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Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism, a condition that occurs when there's too much thyroid hormone in the body)
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Cardiovascular disease, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), high blood pressure, or any other medical conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels
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Diabetes or high blood sugar
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Glaucoma
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Liver problems, such as liver disease
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Stomach ulcers
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Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
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Bladder outflow obstruction or other urination problems
How long does it take for bronchodilators to work?
If you're taking a rescue medication, inhaled bronchodilators will start working minutes after you inhale them to reduce inflammation and other symptoms. Most short-acting bronchodilators work for 4–6 hours.
On the other hand, long-acting bronchodilators require more time to reach their full effect. Long-acting bronchodilators work for approximately 12 hours.
What should I avoid with a bronchodilator?
Avoid getting bronchodilator medication in your eyes, especially if you have glaucoma. Make sure to seek medical attention if your breathing problems get worse, or if you think your asthma medicines are not working as well.
It's important to remember that a long-acting bronchodilator medication will not treat an asthma attack or sudden symptoms. Instead, it's best to use a long-acting bronchodilator regularly to manage your symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Don't use bronchodilators more often than recommended. Overuse can cause your body to become overly sensitive to asthma or COPD triggers, especially if you have moderate to severe COPD.
What is a bronchodilator used for?
Bronchodilators are used to treat asthma symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They work by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and opening the airways (bronchi). They can also treat long-term lung conditions where the airways become inflamed.
Is bronchodilator a steroid?
No, bronchodilators and steroids are different medications. You can safely use inhaled bronchodilators daily to help prevent asthma and COPD symptoms. Bronchodilators help reduce airway inflammation and keep the airways open.
What are the three types of bronchodilators?
The three types of bronchodilator medications are called beta-2 agonists, anticholinergics, and theophyllines. Each type of bronchodilator works differently to help control asthma and COPD symptoms.
What is the most common bronchodilator?
The most commonly prescribed bronchodilator is Ventolin (albuterol), a type of beta-2 agonist. Albuterol is used to treat breathing problems, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness caused by asthma, COPD, and other lung problems. It can also be taken before exercise to prevent bronchospasm.
