What Are The Different Types Of Delivery Devices For Asthma Medicines
You take most asthma medicines by breathing them in using an inhaler or nebulizer. An inhaler or nebulizer allows the medicine to go directly to your lungs. But some asthma medicines are in pill form, infusion form, or injectable form.;
Inhalers ;
There are four types of asthma inhaler devices that deliver medicine: metered dose inhalers , dry powder inhalers , breath actuated inhalers, and soft mist inhalers.
- Metered dose inhalers have medicine plus a propellant. The propellant sprays the medicine out of the inhaler in a short burst.
- Dry powder inhalers do not have a propellant and do not spray the medicine out of the inhaler. The medicine is released from the inhaler when you breathe it in.
- Breath actuated inhalers have a dry powder or aerosol medicine. The medicine does not spray out of the inhaler. The medicine is released from the inhaler when you breathe it in.
- Soft mist inhalers do not have propellant, but they do spray the medicine out of the inhaler. They create a cloud of medicine that sprays out softly.
Different types of asthma devices
For inhalers to work well, you must use them correctly. But 70 to 90% of people who use inhalers make at least one mistake when using their inhaler.1 Inhaler mistakes can lead to uncontrolled asthma. Ask your doctor or nurse to watch you use your inhaler to make sure you are using it correctly.;
Spacers;and valved holding;chambers
Nebulizers;
Injectables ;
Common Allergens That Trigger Allergic Asthma
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology , 75 percent of adults age 20 to 40 with asthma and 65 percent of those age 55 and older have at least one allergy as of April 2018. The ACAAI also reports that as many as 80 percent of children with allergies also have asthma.
There are certain allergens that typically trigger allergy-induced asthma in children and adults, such as:
- Pollen
- Skin
- Food
Its important to note that not everything you are allergic to will cause asthma symptoms to develop, though another type of allergic reaction may develop. A doctor may perform a skin or blood test to determine the allergen triggering your allergic asthma.
In an allergy skin test, also referred to as a skin prick test, a nurse makes small marks in the skin and applies allergen extracts next to them. In adults, the skin test is usually conducted on the arm, and in children its done on the back. According to Mayo Clinic, a skin prick test can check up to 40 different substances at once.
Another option is an allergy blood test, which measures the level of IgE antibodies in the blood. A positive result for a total IgE test indicates an allergy after the overall number of IgE antibodies is measured. Alternatively, a specific IgE test identifies the levels of IgE antibodies in response to individual allergens so that you can discover whether or not you have allergies to a specific trigger, such as pollen.
What Are The Causes Of Allergic Asthma
You develop allergies when your immune system overreacts to the presence of a harmless substance called an allergen. Some people may develop breathing problems from inhaling allergens. This is known as allergic asthma. It occurs when the airways swell as part of an allergic reaction.
In general, inhaled allergens cause allergic asthma. Some allergens that can cause this condition include:
- pollen
- strong odors, including scented lotions and perfumes
- chemical fumes
Less common allergens that can cause an asthmatic reaction include:
- cockroaches
- wheat
- tree nuts
Even though an asthmatic reaction to these allergens is less common, they may cause a more serious reaction.
Allergic asthma and regular asthma have the same symptoms. They include:
- wheezing
If you have hay fever or skin allergies, you might also experience:
- itchy skin
If you swallowed the allergen, these symptoms might be present as well:
- hives
- swollen mouth, throat, or lips
- anaphylaxis
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Does An Asthma Attack Trigged By Allergies Feel Different Than A Typical Asthma Attack
When you have an asthma attack thats triggered by your allergies, it is a severe flair up of your asthma symptoms. During an asthma attack, your airways will tighten, making it difficult to breathe. You may also feel chest pressure, wheeze and cough. The symptoms of an allergic asthma attack are the same as an asthma attack caused by something else. The difference between the two is the cause of the asthma attack. When you experience severe asthma symptoms after breathing in an allergen, this is typically allergic asthma.
Can Allergic Rhinitis Make Asthma Worse
Hay fever can make asthma harder to;control. People with asthma who also have allergic;rhinitis have more visits to hospital or emergency;departments and more time off work or school than;other people with asthma.
Some people find that the things that trigger their;asthma will also make their allergic rhinitis worse.;These could include things they are allergic to; or cold air, cigarette smoke or other;irritating fumes.
Effective treatment for allergic rhinitis may reduce the;chance of severe asthma attacks, and make the lungs;work better.
People with allergic rhinitis who are allergic to grass pollens can have asthma attacks caused by springtime thunderstorms. These mainly occur in October-November, in places where there is a lot of grass pollen . Very severe asthma attacks triggered by thunderstorms are more likely in people who have asthma as well as allergic rhinitis especially if their asthma is not well controlled, or they are not taking regular preventer medication for their asthma.
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Causes Of Allergic Asthma
The triggers of allergic asthma will vary between patients. Identifying the trigger is an important step in plotting an effective treatment to reduce the likelihood of severe responses to allergens and asthma attacks. The following causes are the most common triggers of allergic asthma.
- Pollen
- Strong fragrances
What Is Allergic Asthma
For many people, allergies play a large part in their life. Allergies can affect what you eat, products you use, and even the way you breathe. When allergies combine with a breathing condition called asthma, its called allergic asthma. A type of asthma, allergic asthma is a condition where your airways tighten when you breathe in an allergen. This can be something in the air often pollen, dander or mold spores. Allergens are also called triggers because they set off your asthma. Things that could cause you to have a reaction, might not affect other people.
When you have allergies your body creates a response to something it thinks is a threat the allergen. It fires up all of its defenses to try and fight off danger. This is done by your immune system. Your immune system typically works to protect you from disease. When your immune system thinks that theres danger, it releases a chemical called immunoglobulin E . This substance is meant to fight back and protect your body. However, high amounts of IgE can cause your airways to tighten, making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma is a disease of the lungs that causes your airways to:
- Become swollen or irritated specifically in the airway linings.
- Produce large amounts of mucus that is thicker than normal.
- Narrow because the muscles around the airways tighten.
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Asthma And Allergy Treatments
If you have asthma and untreated allergic rhinitis , it can be more difficult to control asthma symptoms. Treatment options for allergic rhinitis include:
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays;are the most effective long term medication for allergic rhinitis . Like preventer medication for asthma they need to be used each day to be effective, in controlling asthma and lessening the need for asthma medication.
- Non-sedating antihistamines are used to treat allergic rhinitis symptoms and are safe for people with asthma.
- Combination medications containing an antihistamine and intranasal corticosteroid nasal spray are available and offer the combined advantages of both medications.
- Allergen immunotherapy is a long term treatment which alters the immune system’s response to allergens and has been shown to improve asthma control in some people. It involves the administration of gradually increasing amounts of allergen extracts which are usually injected or givensublingual .
Medication which can cause problems;for people with asthma include aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines and beta blockers.; Some natural treatments such as Echinacea and royal jelly can cause life threatening allergic reactions in some people with asthma.; It is important to advise your pharmacist and doctor of any medications or natural’ treatments you are taking.
ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand.
Improving Asthma With Tools And Devices
Asthma is a cyclical disease, with episodes that come and go. Flares dont just happen however. Subtle warning signs are there if you know where and how to look. By the time you begin coughing or wheezing, your lungs are already congested and compromised. Thats why you need to pay close attention to the subtle signs and follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.
The following management tools have proven to be excellent for anticipating, treating and shortening an asthma flare. Always keep in mind that the real goal is to prevent or minimize asthma symptoms.
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What If I Have A Sudden Attack
Always keep quick-acting medications with you. These should help you feel better within 20 to 60 minutes.
If your symptoms dont improve or continue to get worse, go to an emergency room or dial 911. Severe symptoms that warrant an emergency room visit include not being able to talk or walk due to shortness of breath and blue lips or fingernails.
Keep a copy of your asthma action plan on you so people around you have the necessary information to help.
Medications For Allergic Asthma
Taking steps to control allergens is likely to improve your symptoms. But you may still need allergy and asthma medications to treat attacks.
Try nasal allergy medications that donât make you sleepy, saline rinses, and nasal sprays . If these donât work, use nasal steroid sprays and stronger antihistamines. If none of this helps, it may be time to talk to a doctor about allergy shots.
There are many good asthma treatments, but most require a prescription. These medications include inhaled steroids, which fight inflammation, and bronchodilators, which open up your airways. If traditional treatments donât help your allergic asthma, Xolair, an injectable medication that reduces IgE levels, may help. Also, the long-acting anticholinergic medication called tiotropium bromide may be used in addition to your regular maintenance medications to help with symptom control. This medication can be used by anyone ages 6 years and older.
SOURCES:American Academy of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology: “What to expect at the doctor’s office,” “How to help your allergies and asthma,” “Allergic asthma information,” “Is your asthma allergic?” American Medical Association, Essential Guide to Asthma, 1998. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute: “Asthma: How is Asthma Diagnosed?” “How is asthma treated?”Boehringer Ingelheim: “US FDA Expands Approval of Tiotropium Respimat® for Maintenance Treatment of Asthma in Children.”FDA. Prescribing Information: Spiriva Respimat.
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Will I Have Allergic Asthma For My Entire Life
There isnt a cure for allergic asthma. However, you can control your symptoms and take care to control your environment avoiding an asthma attack. Your allergic asthma can be worse at certain times during the year. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your symptoms and the best medications to control your asthma. Allergic asthma is very common and you can live a normal life with this condition.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Allergic asthma is a very common condition that many people experience throughout their lives. Though there isnt a cure for this type of asthma, it can be controlled. You can control you condition by learning about your triggers and taking steps to avoid a reaction. Talk to your healthcare provider about ways to manage your environment and avoid asthma attacks.
Common Questions About Allergies & Asthma
1. Can allergies trigger asthma?
Allergies and asthma have many of the same symptoms andtriggers.; Pollen, dust, and dander can cause coughing, sneezing, and overall breathing difficulties for both asthmatics and those with allergies.; Plus, some people have allergic asthma, which is when the skin or food allergies cause asthma symptoms.
2. How can asthma allergies be prevented?
A person with asthma allergies must be aware of what triggers their symptoms so they can proactively prevent asthma or allergy attacks.; Some of the best tips to control asthmatic allergies are:
- Staying indoors when pollen and ozone counts are high
- Filtering indoor air
- Refraining from exercising in cold weather
- Avoiding strongly scented products
- Limiting exposure to dust and dander
3. Do I have asthma or allergies?
While asthma and allergies do have some similarities, they are different and require different treatments, so it is best to have a doctor diagnose whether a person has asthma or allergies.; Some of the basic symptoms of allergies are itchy eyes or nose, hives, and/or cough.
4. How do they test for Allergy Asthma?
To determine if a person has Allergy Asthma, a doctor will need to know the patients medical history and perform a physical exam.; The doctor may also test for asthma by using a spirometer, a challenge test, a lung test, or a nitric oxide test.
5. Do inhalers help with allergies?
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With the Aluna app, you can easily
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How Do I Know Whats Triggering My Asthma
Allergic asthma is brought on by specific particles called allergens. To identify which ones cause you problems, your doctor may ask you when and where you experience allergy symptoms.
An allergist can also perform skin and blood tests to determine what youre allergic to. If certain triggers are found, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy, which is a medical treatment that reduces sensitivity to allergens.
Your doctor may also recommend allergen avoidance. This means youll have to keep your home free of particles that cause allergic reactions.
You may also have to avoid going places where you have a higher chance of having an attack because of allergens in the air. For example, you may need to stay inside on days when the pollen count is high or remove carpets in your home to avoid dust.
The Importance Of Severity
The symptoms of a cold are usually mild. You may find that with over the counter medication, you can go about day to day life as usual. You may choose to self-isolate, to reduce the spread of anything that you may be carrying, but your symptoms will usually be mild to moderate.;
Allergy symptoms can also be mild and controlled using over the counter medication. But, they may vary in severity, depending on your location and situation. Seasonal allergies, for example, may flare up when the pollen count is high or when you spend an extended amount of time outdoors.;
Asthma symptoms, however, can become much more severe without treatment. Theres no cure for asthma, but with inhalers and sometimes tablets, you can lead a healthy, active life. Without treatment, asthma can be debilitating and stop you from enjoying active pursuits.;
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Signs And Symptoms Of Asthma
To establish a diagnosis of asthma, the clinician should determine that:
- Episodic symptoms of airflow obstruction or airway hyperresponsiveness are present.
- Airflow obstruction is at least partially reversible.
- Alternative diagnoses are excluded.
Recommended methods to establish the diagnosis are:
- Detailed medical history.
- Physical exam focusing on the upper respiratory tract, chest, and skin.
- Spirometry to demonstrate obstruction and assess reversibility, including in children 5 years of age or older. Reversibility is determined either by an increase in FEV1 of 12 percent from baseline or by an increase 10 percent of predicted FEV1 after inhalation of a short-acting bronchodilator.
Additional studies are not routinely necessary but may be useful when considering alternative diagnoses:
It is important to consider a diagnosis of asthma if certain elements of the clinical history are present they are not diagnostic by themselves but increase the probability of a diagnosis of asthma:
Spirometry is needed to establish a diagnosis of asthma.
Cats And Other Animals
Because of its small size, this allergen is predominantly an airborne, indoor type. Avoidance involves removing animals from the home , using dense filtering material over heating and cooling duct vents, and washing cats and dogs as often as twice weekly. Antigen may remain in a home for 6 months or more after cats are removed from the home, and cat antigen may be found in homes and offices where cats were never present, highlighting the importance of frequent cleaning.
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Is There A Cure For Allergic Asthma
Theres no cure for allergic asthma. Therefore, its important to adhere to your treatments and follow your doctors advice.
Doing so can prevent severe complications, such as airway remodeling, which is permanent narrowing of the breathing passages. This complication affects how well you can inhale air in and exhale air out of your lungs.
How Do You Decide What Treatment Is Right For Your Asthma
Patients want to have a say in their care and treatment choices. We call it where your physician, nurse or healthcare professional discusses with you the pros and cons of a specific test or treatment, and then you come together to decide what is best for you.
Studies show when patients and families work closely with doctors and make healthcare decisions together, their health improves. Their knowledge of the condition is greater and they are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and go to follow-up appointments.
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