How To Get An Asthma Inhaler Quickly

How To Clean And Maintain Your Device

Make sure to keep the device dry, at room temperature, and closed when not in use. Do not wash the device or get it wet. If you want to clean the mouthpiece, wipe it with a clean, dry tissue.

A Turbuhaler® is a dry-powder inhaler available in an easy-to-use format.

Some Turbuhalers® feature a dose counter that shows the exact amount of medication left. If your Turbuhaler® doesnt have a dose counter, then check for a red indicator in the windows on the side of the device. When you see red in the window, there are approximately 20 doses left and its time to order a refill.

Asthma Symptoms Acute Vs Chronic

In medical related matters, acute simply means short term, and chronic means long term. Although asthma is a chronic disorder, since it usually lasts a long time , you can have both chronic and acute asthma symptoms. If someone does not properly manage their asthma, they can have regular chronic symptoms for many weeks, months, or even years. For example, they could experience a regular cough that lasts a long time if not managed properly.

Then on top of the regular chronic cough, they may also sometimes experience an acute asthma worsening that leads to a symptom such as shortness of breath. This could perhaps be due to getting a cold, or exposure to pollen or air pollution.

When someone has asthma, it is very important to keep it well controlled so that there are no chronic asthma symptoms. You cant avoid all asthma symptoms all the time, but in general the symptoms should be uncommon and mild.

It is also very important to monitor your asthma so that you notice when there are acute asthma symptoms starting and can take the necessary measures to get it under control before it leads to an asthma attack. A written asthma action plan from your doctor can be very helpful in guiding your treatment decisions.

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• Medical history
• Test results, such as a lung function test

Important Reminders About Mdis

Always follow the instructions that come with your MDI. As well:

• Keep your reliever MDI somewhere where you can get it quickly if you need it, but out of childrens reach.
• Show your doctor, pharmacist or asthma educator how youre using your metered-dose inhaler.
• Store your MDI at room temperature. If it gets cold, warm it using only your hands.
• Never puncture or break the canister, or try to warm it using anything except your hands.
• When you begin using an MDI, write the start date on the canister.
• Check the expiry date on the MDI before you use it.
• If youre having trouble using your MDI, ask your doctor for tips or to recommend another device.
• Many doctors recommend the use of a spacer, or a holding device to be used with the MDI.
• Do not float the canister in water.

A DISKUS® is a dry-powder inhaler that features a built-in counter, so that you always know how many doses you have left in it.

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Are There Any Side Effects

Reliever inhalers are a safe and essential treatment for asthma symptoms when they suddenly flare up. They have very few side effects.

Some people notice that they feel a bit shaky or their heart beats faster than normal.

Youre more likely to notice these side effects if you have needed to use more puffs than recommended of your reliever inhaler. They’ll usually pass quickly and are not dangerous. See your GP or asthma nurse if youre worried.

The best way to avoid side effects is to have a regular asthma review. This means your GP or asthma nurse can make sure youre doing all you can to prevent asthma symptoms, like taking your preventer inhaler regularly as prescribed.

Your preventer inhaler works away in the background to prevent symptoms from coming on in the first place. If you use it every day, even when youre well, you won’t need to use your reliever inhaler so much.

What Drugs Are In The Inhaler

Many inhalers contain steroids, like prednisone, to treat inflammation. Others have a type of drug called a bronchodilator to open up your airways. Some have both this is known as a combination inhaler.

Anti-inflammatory asthma inhalers prevent asthma attacks and reduce swelling and mucus in your airways. They include:

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Can You Get An Inhaler Without Going To A Doctor

Yes, you can get an inhaler without going to the doctor by having a virtual appointment or getting an inhaler thats available over the counter.

Online doctors are able to write prescriptions for inhalers during virtual appointments. They can electronically send your inhaler prescription to your pharmacy, where you can pick it up.

Learn more about how to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor below.

Keep Your Inhaler Clean

Look at the hole where the medicine sprays out of your inhaler. If you see powder in or around the hole, clean your inhaler.

• Remove the metal canister from the L-shaped plastic mouthpiece.
• Rinse only the mouthpiece and cap in warm water.
• Let them air-dry overnight.
• In the morning, put the canister back inside. Put the cap on.
• DO NOT rinse any other parts.

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Will I Have To Take Medicine All The Time

Maybe not. Asthma is a chronic condition that is controllable. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma. For that reason, you may have asthma symptoms when exposed to triggers. This is the case even if you dont have symptoms very often. Your triggers can change over time, and your treatment will depend on two things: how severe your asthma is, and how often you have symptoms. If your asthma is controlled, your treatment will focus on managing symptoms and treatment of episodes when they happen.

If your symptoms happen at certain times and you know what caused them, you and your doctor can use this information to determine the best treatment. If, for example, you have seasonal asthma because of a specific pollen allergy, you may take medicines only when that pollen is in the air. But asthma that specific is not common. Many people with asthma take some form of medicine most or all of the time.

Types Of Reliever Inhaler

Reliever medicine can come in different types of inhaler devices:

• Metered dose inhalers give the medicine in a spray form . For example, Airomir and Salamol. Its good to use a spacer with these.
• Breath actuated inhalers automatically release a spray of medicine when you begin to inhale. For example, Easi-breathe, and Autohaler.
• Dry powder inhalers give the medicine in a dry powder instead of a spray. For example, Accuhaler and Turbohaler.

Although different inhalers have different benefits, the most important thing is getting the right dose of asthma medicine into the lungs where it can get to work quickly.

Whatever inhaler you’re prescribed, you need to know how to use it in the best way. Your doctor will work with you to find the inhaler device that suits you best, and one you find easy to use correctly. Some inhalers are easier to use with a spacer.

Combination inhalers

If youre on a MART regime, you have one inhaler device combining both a preventer and reliever medicine.

Make sure your GP or asthma nurse explains how and when to use the reliever part of your MART inhaler if you get symptoms.

Find out more about combination inhalers, including MART.

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Important Reminder About Spacers

Always follow the instructions that come with your spacer. As well:

• Only use your spacer with a pressurized inhaler, not with a dry-powder inhaler.
• Spray only one puff into a spacer at a time.
• Use your spacer as soon as youve sprayed a puff into it.
• Never let anyone else use your spacer.
• Keep your spacer away from heat sources.
• If your spacer has a valve that is damaged, or if any other part of the spacer is damaged, do not use it. The spacer will have to be replaced.
• Some spacers have a whistle. Your technique is fine if you do not hear the whistle. However, if you hear the whistle, this means you should slow your breath down.
• It is very important that you consult your healthcare professional to review proper inhaler technique.

What Is An Asthma Attack

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs. During an asthma attack, the airways become narrower than normal and can cause difficulty breathing.

The severity of an asthma attack can range from mild to very serious. Some asthma attacks may require prompt medical attention.

The preferred way of treating an asthma attack is to use a rescue inhaler, which contains medication that expands your airways.

But what if youre having an asthma attack and dont have your rescue inhaler available? There are several things that you can do while you wait for your symptoms to subside or for medical attention. Read on to learn more.

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Know The Four Steps Of Asthma First Aid

Its important for everyone in the community to know the four steps of asthma first aid.:

If you are not sure if someone is having an asthma attack, you can still use blue reliever medication because it is unlikely to cause harm.

• the person is not breathing
• their asthma suddenly becomes worse
• the person is having an asthma attack and theres no blue reliever medication available.

Asthma Treatment Without Inhaler

Asthma symptoms can start out as a little cough before you find yourself wheezing and struggling to breathe. You are not alone in this affliction. More than 18 million Americans live with this condition the bronchi of the lungs become inflamed and constricted, leading to poor respiratory function and wheezing. In severe cases, a person may die from asphyxiation. The most common treatment for asthmatics is the inhaler. Oral medications are given as well to control asthma symptoms such as airway inflammation and acute attacks. Medication helps to keep asthma patients out of the hospital as much as possible.

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Side Effects Of Using Asthma Inhalers

Move Away From Triggers

The presence of asthma triggers wont only cause an attack, they can also make your symptoms worse. Be sure to try to get away from things that may be triggering your asthma attack.

For example, if youre in an area where people are smoking cigarettes, you should move away promptly.

Its also important to know your triggers. Common triggers include:

• allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, or certain foods

You should always be sure to seek immediate emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms during an asthma attack:

• your symptoms continue to get worse even after treatment
• you cant speak except in short words or phrases
• youre straining your chest muscles in an effort to breathe
• your shortness of breath or wheezing is severe, particularly in the early morning or late-night hours
• you begin to feel drowsy or tired
• your lips or face appear blue when youre not coughing

Symptoms that indicate that you could be experiencing an asthma attack include:

• severe shortness of breath

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Are There Natural Remedies For Asthma Attacks

The typical treatment for an asthma attack is a quick-acting with . Sit upright and take slow, steady breaths. Try to stay calm. Follow the asthma action plan that youâve set up with your doctor. If your breathing doesnât get better or if youâre so short of breath that you canât talk, get medical help right away.

Some breathing exercises can help with symptoms of an asthma attack.

• Pursed-lip breathing. This slows your breathing and helps hold your airways open longer so your lungs work better. With your closed, breathe in slowly through your nose. Then breathe out through your , with your lips pursed like youâre whistling, for twice as long.
• Belly breathing. This technique uses the same steps as pursed-lip breathing. But as you breathe in, focus on the movement of your belly. Picture it filling with air like a balloon. It may help to keep your hands on your belly so you can concentrate on the air going in and out.

Keep Medications In A Cool Dry Place

A person should store inhalers at a controlled room temperature of about 77°F , though a range of 5986°F is usually safe.

Leaving medication in a car or another environment likely to experience extreme temperature changes can reduce its effectiveness.

If this happens, consult a doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend replacing the product.

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How Do You Monitor Asthma Symptoms

Monitoring your asthma symptoms is an essential piece of managing the disease. Your healthcare provider may have you use a peak flow meter. This device measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help your provider make adjustments to your medication. It also tells you if your symptoms are getting worse.

Make Them A Hot Drink

A hot drink, like a cup of coffee or tea, can help to open the airways, providing some short-term relief, and giving you time to seek medical assistance.

If you or someone that you know has experienced symptoms of asthma or has been diagnosed and needs further help, you can learn more by contacting Allergy and Asthma Center, P.C.

The Allergy and Asthma Center, P.C. is committed to offering a friendly and relaxed approach to treating asthma patients of all ages, from all walks of life. Firmly believing that all patients needs are unique and that everyone deserves a fully personalized consultation and treatment plan. Get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable staff today at 920-969-1768, for more information and help.

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What Is The Main Cause Of Asthma

Asthma has many different triggers, including:Air irritants and pollutants, like smoke, stress and strong emotions, gastroesophageal reflux disease , respiratory infections, like a cold, cold air, certain medications, including aspirin, beta blockers, naproxen , and ibuprofen , preservatives and sulfites.

Can I Get An Inhaler Without Seeing A Doctor

Yes, you can get an inhaler without seeing a doctor, and you can get an inhaler without a prescription. The top OTC medications for asthma include:

• Primatene Mist HFA inhaler
• Asthmanefrin inhaler
• Bronchial relief tablets

Over the counter medications should not be replacements for prescription asthma treatments. They should not be the primary treatment option if you have moderate or severe asthma.

You should talk to a doctor before making your own treatment plan. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

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Move Away From The Trigger

If your asthma attacks are triggered by allergies, remove yourself as quickly as possible from the allergen, whether its a dusty room, smoke-filled bar or fluffy cat. Once youre in a cleaner environment, calmly sit down and breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Of course, the best way to combat an asthma attack is always to have a spare rescue inhaler in a place where you have quick access to it, just in case your main inhaler is lost. But these five simple solutions may just do the trick in getting you through a difficult situation. Finally, if your symptoms do not subside quickly or are severe for you, seek emergency help IMMEDIATELY.