Asthma is a condition wherein you experience breathing difficulties. An intense episode of such a respiratory condition may get triggered by hereditary (genetic) reasons as well as due to a few environmental factors. Such conditions often show up as an internal swelling / inflammation of airways; due to this, you may experience constriction of pathways leading to your lungs. Inhaler is a handheld instrument which can deliver bronchodilator drugs (such as albuterol) inside your lungs. How to use bronchodilator drugs like albuterol with an inhaler? It is a must to know more on this prior to starting your treatment.
The earlier name of inhalers is “metered dosage inhaling” devices; these come with a canister filled with aerosol of the drug. While using this device, you are advised to remove the cap of the inhaler (often called as the bronchodilator asthma inhaler).
How to use a bronchodilator asthma inhaler?
It is a good practice to shake the aerosol filled chamber well, prior to use. Soon after shaking it well, insert the inhaler into the rear side. Some devices also come with a mask; in such cases, place the mask on your mouth and nose. These masks may be needed when the device is used by children. This helps to seal possible gaps, and leaks of aerosol. Place the tip in between your lips. Now, breathe out fully and press the canister to release one (1) dose of the medicated-aerosol inside. Keep the mask intact and take five or six breaths. Every time you breathe in, keep your breath for at least 7 seconds.
Repetition of these steps helps delivery of the bronchodilator drug deep into your airways and lungs. Once you have completed the treatment process, remove the mask and replace the cap of the inhaler. Some of these medications may have steroids in them. In such cases, wash your face with soap solution and water. It is also a safe practice to rinse your oral parts with warm water. In some cases, your caregiver may suggest using a mouthwash to keep your oral organs clean.
You need to know that these inhalers also come without a spacer chamber. To use such devices, stand erect or sit straight. You may need to tilt your head to allow for easy discharge. Once you have breathed out fully, place the device in front of your open mouth / between your teeth. Now, press the canister containing aerosol (of albuterol) and breathe deeply. After holding your breath for say 5 or 6 seconds, take another puff. Such a practice is regarded as highly effective in reaching the drug deep into your lungs.
Use of albuterol inhalers; bronchodilator asthma inhaler
Albuterol forms part of a class of meds known as bronchodilators; this med is widely used for the treatment of breathing problems. You can procure this drug in multiple forms – namely, pills or tablets, liquid form and extended release version. The regular form – say, a liquid (syrup) or a pill version of albuterol is typically used twice or thrice per day. However, its long acting variant is administered only once every 12 hours – i.e., half day.
People who took this bronchodilator at the same time each day witnessed better results; use of this med – either with or without spacer – is always under the supervision and guidance of a trained & qualified clinician. Use of albuterol may trigger a few side effects. Common among them are dizziness, severe spells of headaches, staying restless, being tensed or nervous, shifts in moods, sleep-based conditions (sleeping for a long span of time) or insomnia (inability to fall asleep).
You are advised to use bronchodilator asthma inhalers with a dosage counter; this functionality helps to know how much of albuterol is left in the device. Such devices may prevent use of empty inhalers; without these dosage counters, you may end-up inhaling from an empty device. If you have missed an inhaling dose, it is unsafe to inhale an overdose of this bronchodilator. Instead, skip the missed dose and move ahead to your next dose. Upon missing many doses continuously, consult with your caregiver or a pharmacist, who can help to reschedule the dosages.
As albuterol is a rescue medication, it is recommended to keep spare meds at your home. These may come handy to treat sudden spells of asthmatic attacks. One of the best ways to use the inhaler is to mark the number of puffs / dosages. Once you have used the number of doses listed on the pack, you can discharge the canister and start using a new one. If you are having problems using an inhaler, ask your caregiver to provide an inhaler with a spacer. In some cases, your caregiver may prescribe a long-acting bronchodilator (along with a steroid); in such instances, understand the dosage instructions carefully and use an inhaler that provides metered dosages of such maintenance drugs.
Some acute side effects associated with the inhalation of albuterol
In a few extreme cases, a small number of users witnessed difficulties while swallowing food, aggravation of breathing difficulties, increase in body temperature and swelling of oral parts, etc. Users who have prior hypersensitivity to albuterol (or other such bronchodilators) have also noticed rashes, hives (red / bumpy spots on skin), itchiness, arrhythmia or erratic beating of heart. If you are sensing severe reactions like swelling of facial parts, intense spells of breathing difficulties or passing out / fainting, etc., call 911 without any further delay. If you are a resident of Canada, call Health Canada or rush to a poison control center as quickly as you possibly can.
In sum, albuterol is a widely used bronchodilator; this drug is administered for treating asthmatic attacks or for managing other respiratory conditions. This is a fast acting / quick relief medication. It provides instant relief from swelling of airways that cause congestion, wheezing, gasping or similar respiratory difficulties. You can use an inhaler to deliver this drug deep into your lungs. Once you have completed using the inhaler, remove your mask. For more safety precautions about how to use albuterol with an inhaler, talk to your caregiving team and / or a pharmacist.
