Basics of Asthma Inhalers

Asthma inhalers are common in terms of use among people with asthma. Most doctors will prescribe asthma inhalers to their patients. An inhaler works to deliver medicine that is needed to treat asthma directly to the lungs. The most common types of asthma inhalers are the metered-dose and dry powder inhalers. Here�s a look at these two types of asthma inhalers, along with information on how to use them properly and what types of medicines are commonly used in them.


The metered-dose asthma inhaler uses a chemical type of propellant to move the medicine out from the inhaler into the lungs. This medicine is received by squeezing onto the canister in the inhaler or by inhaling. A dry powder inhaler does not involve pushing out the medication. It requires inhaling at a faster rate than with another kind of inhaler.

Asthma inhalers are used to administer various different kinds of medicines that are prescribed by doctors to treat asthma symptoms. The most often used medicines for it include short and long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and nedocromil. In some cases corticosteroids are paired with long-acting bronchodilators.

The two basic kinds of asthma inhalers will work in different ways. A metered-dose inhaler works by squeezing the top of the canister of medicine in the inhaler. The medicine is converted into a mist that goes directly to the lungs. The doses are also measured.

On the other hand, a dry powder inhaler works by having the patient press the lips onto the mouthpiece of the inhaler and quickly inhaling. This is one of the more popular types of asthma inhalers among patients because it does not require the hand-lung coordination that the metered-dose inhaler uses.

Using an asthma inhaler the right way is the most important of the basics of asthma inhalers. In fact, it is best that an inhaler be used as often as a doctor requests that it be done. This is because if an asthma patient does not take care of the symptoms as often as recommended with an inhaler that person will suffer more serious symptoms and experience damage in the future.

A physician can help to educate on how asthma inhalers work properly and how they should be used. It is important to know how to use it right so that it will be more effective and will prevent any more serious problems from happening in the future.

These are the basics of asthma inhalers. If you have asthma then it is important to see what type of inhaler is the best one for you to use and that you know how to use it properly and at the right times. This is needed so that the asthma inhaler you use will be more effective.

Alternative Asthma Medicine

Various different kinds of medicines are prescribed by doctors to patients who have asthma. Inhalers are usually the most popular kinds of medicines prescribed to people with asthma. However, there are some forms of alternative asthma medicine that can be useful.


Before looking at the types of alternative asthma medicine that are available it is important to see that not all kinds of alternative asthma medicine are right for every person. In fact, most forms are not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, so be careful when using alternative asthma medicine.

Acupuncture is a form of alternative asthma medicine that is popular. This helps to get the body to use its healing energy to treat asthma. There is a risk of needles used in the process contaminating the body if they are not sterilized in the right fashion.

Chiropractic spinal manipulation is another alternative asthma medicine form that can help. This is where spinal cord alignments are used to help restore the proper flow of energy around the body.

Laser treatment is another modern form of alternative asthma medicine. A laser is used to help shrink inflamed tissues in the body, but there is a risk of scar tissue developing as a result.

Hypnosis is common for some people who want to treat their asthma. Of course, the effectiveness of it is not completely proven and will vary by patient.

Yoga is commonly used as a form of alternative asthma medicine. With regularly occurring yoga practices asthma symptoms can lessen over time and eventually go away. Like with many other forms of alternative asthma medicine the healing power of the body is used to help control the symptoms of asthma.

While these forms of alternative asthma medicine can be effective, it is important to consider that it does not work with everyone. The level of asthma is an important factor in determining whether or not alternative asthma medicine will work. More severe cases of asthma may have to be handled with doctor prescribed methods. The length of alternative asthma medicine treatments and how well they are followed will be important to consider too.

Finding out if your asthma is caused by allergies can help you too. While alternative asthma medicine can be useful it is important to see what allergies are needed because avoiding things that can trigger allergies can work in conjunction with the alternative asthma medicine that is being used.

Be sure to consult with your doctor for more information on these kinds of alternative asthma medicines. These can be effective, but it is still important to watch and see that the method you are interested in will work for you.