Rescue Inhalers: A Lifeline for Asthma Patients
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes occasional swelling and narrowing of the airways. Rescue inhalers play a vital role in helping asthma patients manage symptoms and attacks. Let's take a closer look at these important medications.
What is a Rescue Inhaler?
A rescue inhaler, also known as a reliever or fast-acting bronchodilator inhaler, contains medicine that provides quick relief from asthma symptoms. The two most common rescue inhalers contain albuterol or levalbuterol. When inhaled, these medications work within a few minutes to relax and open swollen airways. This makes it easier for air to move in and out of the lungs.
Rescue inhalers are meant for short-term relief of asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. They work by activating receptors that cause the muscles around the airways to relax. This allows increased airflow to the lungs. Rescue inhalers provide symptom relief for 3-4 hours and are not intended for long-term daily use.
How to Use a Rescue Inhaler
Proper use of a rescue inhaler is important to ensure medication gets into the lungs where it is needed. Here are the basic steps for use:
- Remove the inhaler cap and shake well before each use.
- Stand or sit up straight when inhaling the medication.
- Breathe out fully, away from the inhaler mouthpiece.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth between your teeth without biting it. form a good seal with your lips.
- As you start to breathe in through your mouth, press down on the canister to release a dose of medication.
- Breathe in slowly and deeply through the inhaler.
- Hold your breath for about 10 seconds by plugging your nose and fully filling your lungs with air.
- Repeat as needed based on instructions. Rinse your mouth after each use.
When to Use a Rescue Inhaler
Rescue inhalers should be used on an as-needed basis to treat asthma symptoms or attacks. Some signs that indicate when one may need their inhaler include:
- Coughing that is not relieved by cough drops or cough medicine
- Wheezing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Increase in asthma symptoms before exercise or activity
- A worsening of usual asthma symptoms
- Awakening at night due to asthma symptoms
It's best to use the inhaler at the first sign of symptoms to get symptoms under control quickly. Using a rescue inhaler more than 2 times a week may indicate inadequate asthma control.
Potential Side Effects
In most cases, rescue inhalers are well-tolerated. However, some potential side effects can include:
- Shakiness or nervousness (tremors)
- Fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting or digestive issues
- Muscle cramping
- Dry mouth or throat irritation from inhaling powder
- Thrush infection in mouth if not rinsed after each use
These side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Stopping use and consulting a doctor right away if side effects are severe or do not subside.
Using Rescue Inhalers Safely
There are some safety precautions to follow when using a rescue inhaler:
- Carry the inhaler at all times in case of asthma attack onset.
- Replace canisters when half full or when expiration date passes.
- Do not share inhalers with others to prevent spread of infections.
- Store upright, protected from moisture, heat and cold temperatures.
- Inform doctors of all prescription and over-the-counter medications taken.
- Seek medical help if symptoms do not improve after using inhaler.
- Have a written asthma action plan from the doctor to follow during attacks.
- Use spacer devices correctly with inhalers if prescribed to young children.
When to See the Doctor
While rescue inhalers provide quick relief, it's important to see a doctor if asthma symptoms:
- Do not improve after using the inhaler
- Worsen or do not go away
- Require use of the rescue inhaler more than two times per week
- Wake the individual from sleep more than once a week
- Limit normal activities due to uncontrolled symptoms
Seeking medical care is also advised after any severe asthma attacks, if side effects from the inhaler occur or if signs of improper technique are observed. The doctor can adjust medications, devices or treatment if asthma is not well controlled.
Conclusion
In summary, rescue inhalers play a critical role in asthma management by providing fast symptom relief during attacks or flare-ups. With proper use and care, they serve as a safe and effective tool to help asthma patients lead active lives. Following healthcare provider instructions and developing an asthma action plan help ensure rescue inhalers deliver maximum benefit.
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