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What Is In An Asthma Puffer

Will Medicine Help Me Breathe Better When I Exercise

How to correctly use an asthma inhaler

Yes. Exercising, particularly in cold air, may cause airway swelling or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction . Quick-relief asthma medicines, taken before exercise, usually control this. If you need repeated doses of quick-relief medicine during and after exercise talk with your doctor. Your medicines may need to be adjusted. Thanks to these medicines, many Olympic and professional athletes have successful sports careers even with their asthma.;

It is important for everyone, including people with asthma, to be as active as possible for good health. Talk with your doctor about how you can be physically active while keeping your asthma well-controlled.;

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Asthma Control And Management Plans

Every child with asthma should have an individualised asthma control and management plan, regardless of how mild or severe their symptoms usually are.

The aim of all asthma plans is to prevent asthma flare-ups and attacks so that your child can lead a healthy, balanced life. An asthma management plan also aims to minimise the severity and length of any attacks that do happen.

To develop the plan, you and your child will need to work with your childs doctor to make sure you:

  • know what triggers your childs asthma symptoms
  • understand how your child takes their asthma medication how much, how often and how to use the inhaler correctly
  • know what to do if your childs symptoms get worse, and what to do in an emergency if your child doesnt respond to the drugs they usually take.

You should give a copy of the plan to anyone who is caring for your child. This includes family, carers, babysitters, sports coaches and your childs school.

Its a good idea for your child to see their doctor or nurse regularly to monitor their asthma symptoms and treatment, and to review the asthma management plan. If youre not sure about any aspects of your childs asthma control and management plan, you should check with your childs health professional.

Chapter : How Can I Tell If My Inhaler Is Empty

One of the more frustrating aspects of asthma medication use is not knowing when your inhaler is empty of medication, or when it is about to become empty. Even when the medication has run out, most of the inhalers whether they contain bronchodilator or antiinflammatory medication will continue to make a sound when shaken and will continue to release some spray when activated. Many people often find themselves uncertain as to whether to risk using an inhaler that may have no medication in it or discard a partially empty inhaler when active medication is still in it.

The ideal solution would be a device that records and displays the number of “puffs” used or even better the number of “puffs” still remaining in the canister. Although such counters are being developed , they are either limited to certain inhalers or add significantly to the cost of the inhalers.

The number of “puffs” reported to be in each canister is quite accurate; this information is provided in the package insert when you buy your inhaler. Some examples are given here:

Clearly there is room for improvement and a need for some good new ideas in this area of asthma treatment.

Let us know your thoughts on Breath of Fresh Air! Partners Asthma Center

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Important Information About All Medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with your other medicines.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Before Using A Budesonide Inhaler

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Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using a budesonide inhaler it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because it is particularly important that your asthma should be well controlled if you are expecting a baby, and your doctor will want to advise you about your care.
  • If you have ever had pulmonary tuberculosis .
  • If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

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How To Use Metered

With metered-dose inhalers being the most widely used among all inhaler types, this might be the kind you might be familiar with. Here are the steps to use a metered-dose inhaler:

Step 1: Take off the cap of the inhaler and shake the inhaler well.

Step 2: Hold the inhaler in an upright position and stand up or sit up straight.

Step 3: Exhale and breathe out all the air in your lungs as you tilt your head slightly backwards.

Step 4: Hold the mouthpiece between your teeth, close your lips around to achieve a proper seal.

Step 5: Start breathing in slowly through the mouth and press down the canister fully to release one spray. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply. This coordination is important to follow to ensure the proper dose of the medication is delivered.

Step 6: Remove the inhaler from your mouth.

Step 7: Hold your breath for ten seconds, or as long as you comfortably can, and breathe out slowly.

How To Cope With Side Effects Of Salbutamol Inhalers

What to do about:

  • feeling shaky â see if your asthma or COPD symptoms get better with just 1 puff of your inhaler rather than 2. If you find you need 2 puffs for symptom relief, be reassured that the shakiness will wear off after a short time.
  • faster heartbeat for a short while â make sure you are not taking more than the prescribed dose. If this happens regularly, talk to your doctor or nurse as you may need your treatment reviewed so that you do not need to use your salbutamol as often.
  • headaches â make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not drink too much alcohol. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller. Headaches should usually go away after the first week of taking salbutamol. Talk to your doctor if they last longer than a week or are severe.
  • muscle cramps â if you get unusual muscle ache, which is not from exercise or hard work, talk to your doctor.

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What To Remember When Using Your Inhaler

  • Stand or sit upright when using your inhaler
  • Remove the mouthpiece cover, check inside to ensure its clean and give it a shake
  • Hold the inhaler upright with your thumb on the base and fingers on the top of the canister your hand should make a C shape
  • Breathe out as far as is comfortable and place the mouthpiece in your mouth, between your teeth. Close your lips around it and dont bite
  • Breathe in through your mouth just after you start to breathe in, press down on the top of the canister to release a puff of medicine. Continue breathing in steadily and deeply
  • Take the inhaler out of your mouth and hold your breath for about ten seconds .
  • If you need another dose of medicine, wait for about 30 seconds before taking the second dose.

The above steps are for those using metered dose inhalers , which are the most popular type of inhaler. If you use an alternative type of inhaler, please visit our asthma page;so we can help you ensure you are using this correctly.

We offer inhalers through our;online servicemeaning you dont have to visit a doctor every time you need an inhaler.

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How To Use An Asthma Inhaler

Asthma first aid – How to use an asthma puffer and spacer

Step-by-step instructions on how to get the right dose of your asthma meds.

Youve used your inhaler maybe hundreds of times, but have you been doing it wrong this whole time? Theres actually a pretty good chance you havent been using your inhaler correctly. In a recent study, less than one in 10 people with asthma knew how to properly use an inhaler.

The main reason most patients use their inhalers wrong is that no one has shown them the proper technique, says Brian Gelbman, MD, associate clinical professor of medicine;at Weill Cornell Medical Center. In our current healthcare environment, many practices can be very busy and may neglect to take the extra few minutes to show patients how to use their inhalers.

But if so few people actually use their inhalers the right way, it cant be that big of a deal, right? Unfortunately, this mistake can be bad news for your health.

The risk of using your inhaler wrong is that you wont be receiving the proper dose of your medication and will likely be under-treating your asthma, says Dr. Gelbman. This can ultimately result in unnecessary escalation of care, such as stronger medications with higher risk of side effects or even emergency room visits or hospital stays.

If youre not sure youre using your inhaler the right way, or just want a refresher course, heres a step-by-step guide to using an inhaler correctly:

  • Take off the inhalers cap. Make sure its clean.
  • Hold the inhaler upright and shake it vigorously.
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    Different Kinds Of Inhalers

    There are three basic types of inhalers that deliver medications. The most common is the metered-dose inhaler which uses pressure to push the medication out of the inhaler. Nebulizers use air or oxygen and deliver a mist of the medication through a tube or mask that fits over your nose and mouth. Dry powder inhalers deliver medication, but they require a strong and fast inhalation.

    Short-acting bronchodilators are used as quick-relief, reliever, or rescue inhalers. These bronchodilators open the airways and help stop or relieve acute asthma attacks very quickly. While theyre best known for working on sudden attacks, theyre also great to use before exercise to help stop asthma during your workout.;

    While many people use short-acting bronchodilators, the overuse of an inhaler, tablet, or liquid/nebulizer, is a sign of uncontrolled asthma that needs better treatment. If you are using short-acting bronchodilators more than twice a week, call Charleston Allergy & Asthma about improving your asthma control therapy.

    Long-acting bronchodilators provide control, not quick relief, of asthma. Your board-certified allergist will prescribe the medication, which is usually taken twice a day along with inhaled steroids for long-term monitoring of symptoms.;

    Unlike short-acting inhalers, long-acting inhalers do not work on muscle inflammation directly. Instead, they help the airways relax, allowing more air to pass through.

    To Use Your Puffer With A Spacer:

  • Shake the inhaler well before use
  • Remove the cap from your inhaler, and from your spacer, if it has one
  • Put the inhaler into the spacer
  • Breathe out, away from the spacer
  • Bring the spacer to your mouth, put the mouthpiece between your teeth and close your lips around it
  • Press the top of your inhaler once
  • Breathe in very slowly until you have taken a full breath. If you hear a whistle sound, you are breathing in too fast.
  • Hold your breath for about ten seconds, then breathe out.
  • If you need to take more than one puff at a time, wait a minimum of 30 seconds between puffs and be sure to shake the puffer before each puff. Only put one puff of medication into the spacer at a time.
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    How Do Asthma Treatments Work

    Asthma treatments work in these ways:;

  • They relax the muscles that tighten around the airways. They relieve the squeeze. They can be short- or long-acting. By opening the airways, they help remove and reduce mucus. These medicines are bronchodilators or beta agonists.;
  • They reduce the swelling and mucus inside the airways. These medicines are anti-inflammatories .;
  • Bronchodilators;

    Bronchodilators can be short- or long-acting. If you use short-acting bronchodilators more than two days a week, talk with your doctor about your asthma control. You may need to make changes to your treatment plan to better control your asthma.;

    Anti-Inflammatories ;

    Anti-inflammatories come in many different forms. They are also called controllers because they help to control or prevent asthma symptoms. They reduce swelling and extra mucus inside the airways. They will not relieve sudden symptoms.;

    Other Types of Medicines and Treatments;

    Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy ;

    The 2020 Focused Updates to the Asthma Management Guidelines recommends single maintenance and reliever therapy, also known as SMART. SMART uses one inhaler that has two medicines as a quick-relief and controller medicine. When on SMART, you can either take your medicine only as needed to relieve sudden symptoms, or you can take it daily as a controller and as needed for quick relief. This is based on your age and the severity of your asthma.;

    Controller And Reliever Medicines Work Together

    Why does asthma make it difficult to breathe?  How It Works

    There are two main kinds of asthma medicines: preventer medicine and rescue medicine. Each medicine is important, and each medicine does a different thing for your lungs.For most people with asthma, the doctor will prescribe both kinds of medicine:

  • Asthma preventer medicine : You take your preventer medicine every day, even if you have no symptoms, to make sure your airways stay clear and to prevent redness, mucus and swelling.
  • Asthma Rescue medicine: Most people with asthma will be given a reliever inhaler. These are usually blue.

    You use a reliever inhaler to treat your symptoms when they occur. They should relieve your symptoms within a few minutes.

  • Some people think they can skip the preventer medicine and only use the rescue medicine. This is dangerous. If you’ve been prescribed a preventer medicine, use it. The rescue medicine by itself will not control your asthma over the long term. To make sure you get all your medicine into your lungs, be sure you know how to use your inhalation device.

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    Before Using A Beclometasone Inhaler

    Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using a beclometasone inhaler it is important that your doctor knows:

    • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding. This is because it is particularly important that your asthma should be well controlled if you are expecting a baby, and your doctor will want to advise you about your care.
    • If you have ever had pulmonary tuberculosis .
    • If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
    • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

    Should I Be Using A Spacer

    Asthma Canada recommends that anyone, of any age, who is using a puffer should consider using a spacer. A pharmacist, respiratory therapist, asthma educator, or doctor can assess how you use your puffer and will recommend the best device for you.

    It is recommended that children use a spacer device with their puffer.

    Spacers should not be used with dry powder inhalers only with puffer-style devices. Puffers with either a rectangular or a round mouthpiece should be able to fit into a spacer ask your healthcare provider for a demonstration if you are unsure how to set it up.

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    How To Use A Budesonide Inhaler

    • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer’s printed information leaflet from inside the pack and any additional information you are given. These will give you more information about the specific brand of budesonide inhaler you are given, and will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience.
    • Unless you have been told otherwise, use the inhaler twice daily, in the morning and evening. Your doctor will tell you how many puffs to use each time. Try to use it at the same times each day, as this will help you to remember to use it regularly. Make sure you know how to use your inhaler device properly. If you are not sure, ask your nurse, doctor or pharmacist to show you.
    • Some people using steroid inhalers find that the back of their throats can become sore. If you rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth after using your inhaler, this is less likely to develop.
    • Your doctor may give you a spacer device to use with some budesonide inhalers, particularly if you struggle to co-ordinate breathing in and pressing the inhaler device. This helps to make sure that the medicine travels right into your lungs. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to advise you on using the device.

    Can Budesonide Inhalers Cause Problems

    How To Properly Use Your Asthma Inhaler

    Along with their useful effects, inhalers like most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with budesonide. You will find a full list in the manufacturer’s information leaflet supplied with your inhaler. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

    Common budesonide inhaler side-effects What can I do if I experience this?
    Sore throat, oral thrush, hoarse voice, mouth or throat irritation, cough Ask your doctor or pharmacist to recommend a suitable preparation. Rinsing your mouth out with water or brushing your teeth after you use your inhalers can help prevent these
    Pneumonia ; signs include a productive cough with yellow/green mucus , difficulty breathing, high temperature , rapid heartbeat, feeling generally unwell Let your doctor know if you develop any signs of infection whilst using budesonide

    Using high doses of inhaled steroids over a long time may aggravate mental health problems and be a risk factor for other problems such as developing osteoporosis. Also, children who use an inhaled steroid over a long time should have their growth monitored. If you are concerned about any of these rare effects, you should discuss them with your doctor.

    If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the inhaler, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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