What Is The Safest Inhaler For Asthma

Reliever Inhaler Top Tips

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Are The Vaccines Safe And Effective For People With Asthma

Yes. People with mild to severe asthma were included in clinical trials for the Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, and Janssen vaccines currently being distributed in the United States, according to briefings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

For example, in a Moderna vaccine clinical trial with more than 27,000 people, 22 percent had underlying health conditions including moderate to severe asthma, according to an  dated December 17, 2020. The report notes that safety and efficacy for participants with mild to severe asthma were on par with results for the vaccine group as a whole.

On April 13, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and FDA recommended a pause in administering the Janssen vaccine due to 6 reported cases in the United States of a rare type of blood clot linked to the Janssen vaccine, out of more than 6.8 million doses given. This action, the agencies announced, was taken out of an abundance of caution while they investigated these cases and to ensure that when vaccinations resume, healthcare providers have the tools they need to recognize and treat these rare adverse events.

On April 23, the recommended the pause be lifted and vaccination with the Janssen shot resume.

RELATED: How Your Immune System Fights Off Coronavirus

What Is An Inhaler And How Does It Work

Inhalers are the most common device for taking medications for COPD. There are a few different types of inhalers, and well go through each of them in this guide. Using your inhaler properly ensures the medication is delivered where it is needed the lungs. Other devices, like spacers and nebulizers, can also help.

How Do Asthma Treatments Work

Asthma treatments work in these ways: 

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. 

Will I Always Have To Take The Same Amount Of Medicine

Not always. You will probably take more medicine when you begin treatment to get control of your asthma. Work with your doctor to learn which medicine control your asthma best and how much you need. Once your asthma is well-controlled, your doctor may be able to reduce the amount of medicine you take. The goal is to gain control of your asthma as soon as possible and then control it with as little medicine as possible. Once long-term anti-inflammatory therapy begins, your doctor should monitor you every one to six months. This is to see how your asthma medicines are working and if your asthma is well controlled. 

Who Is A Candidate For Asthma Medication

Any patient who has a diagnosis of asthma is a candidate for an asthma medication. Patients with mild, infrequent asthma symptoms may only need a short-acting rescue medication to use when needed, such as albuterol . Patients with more frequent and persistent asthma symptoms are candidates for daily medications. The choice of medication will depend on the severity of the asthma.

What Is The Newest Treatment For Copd

And while treatments like pulmonary rehabilitation, medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids, and lung volume reduction surgery help many people living with COPD, a new option called the Zephyr Valve, which was FDA approved in 2018, is offering hope for patients like Bright who have advanced disease.

What Is The First Line Treatment For Copd

For most people with COPD, short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are the first treatment used. Bronchodilators are medicines that make breathing easier by relaxing and widening your airways. There are 2 types of short-acting bronchodilator inhaler: beta-2 agonist inhalers such as salbutamol and terbutaline.

What Side Effects Of The Vaccine Should People With Asthma Pay Attention To

People with asthma may experience the same relatively mild side effects people often report after receiving the vaccine, such as a headache, chills, a sore arm, achiness, fatigue, or fever. Those reactions are more common after the second dose , says Grayson. The Janssen vaccine requires only one dose.

Its important to follow medical advice given to the general public: Stay at the place where you receive your vaccine for 15 to 30 minutes afterward in case you develop a rare allergic reaction that could lead to anaphylactic shock, according to the .

The risk for serious allergic reaction is between two and five per one million people, Grayson says. Asthma itself does not raise that risk, he adds. And theres no evidence that the vaccine worsens asthma, he says.

#/ 1 Airphysio Natural Breathing Lung Expansion & Mucus Removal Device

The first inhaler that you might want to look at is this one from AirPhysio. This product is made in Australia and it won many awards in the industry over the years. This is a drug-free device that can be comfortably held in your hand. This makes it even easier for children to use. By using this inhaler you can not just treat different respiratory diseases such as Asthma, Bronchiectasis, Atelectasis as well as Cystic Fibrosis and other similar problems.

It is the perfect inhaler to unblock the airways of your child in a short time. Your child will see results from this treatment in less than ten minutes. If your child suffered a surgery, this device can help them improve their breathing faster and without the need for more medication. It is important to read the instructions before you use this product. Assist your kid in order to see that they are using the device properly before letting them on their own. This is not the most budget-friendly product on the market but it is definitely one of the most professional inhalers that you can invest in.

When Do You Use Your Reliever Inhaler

You only use your reliever inhaler if you get symptoms. Its for quick relief when symptoms come on or when you have an asthma attack.

Your  will remind you what symptoms to look out for, and when you need to use your reliever inhaler.

See your GP or asthma nurse if:

you’re using your reliever inhaler three or more times a week. It’s a sign your asthma is not well controlled.

Using your reliever before exercise 

For most people good asthma control, using a regular preventer inhaler, is the best way to stop exercise triggering their symptoms.

A few people whose asthma is triggered by exercise may be told to use their reliever inhaler before they start exercising. For some people this can help stop symptoms coming on. But its important not to rely on your reliever to be able to exercise.

Always see your GP if youve noticed that exercise triggers your asthma symptoms. They can check if you need to improve your asthma preventer treatment.

What Are Additional Measures In The Management Of Asthma

Risks Of Otc Asthma Medication

OTC asthma inhalers are quick-relief medications that a person should use as soon as asthma symptoms develop. A doctor may also prescribe them for people with exercise-induced asthma who will need to take the medication before working out.

Inhalers send medication directly to the inflamed airways, but it is important to make sure that it reaches the lower lungs.

As with other quick-relief medications, people should only use OTC asthma inhalers occasionally. According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, if people feel the need to use an inhaler more than twice within a week or on 2 or more nights a month, they should contact their doctor because their asthma treatment plan is not working as it should.

As asthma is different in every individual, some experts recommend against any kind of OTC treatment, emphasizing the importance of individualized treatment plans.

If Your Asthma Is Not Controlled Using Only Inhaled Corticosteroids Your Doctor May Add On Another Controller Medication Other Controller Also Need To Be Taken Regularly These Include:

Combined inhalers: corticosteroids and Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists

Doctors usually prescribe an inhaler that has a combined medicine of Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists and corticosteroid and is for people whose asthma is not controlled by their usual medicine. Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists are inhaled medicines help the airways relax, allowing more air to pass through. They have to be used in combination with an corticosteroid. A combined inhaler ensures you get both.

Examples of combination asthma medicines:

• Advair®: Made of a corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
• Breo®: Made of corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists
• Symbicort®: Made of a corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists  
• Zenhale®: Made of a corticosteroid plus a Long-Acting Beta2-Agonists  

How Do Immunomodulators Work To Improve Asthma Control

Mepolizumab is a biologic therapy that has been found to control the blood cells that often trigger asthma. Nucala targets Interluken-5 which regulates the levels of blood eosinophils . Genetically engineered, Nucala keeps IL-5 from binding to eosinophils and, thereby, lowers the risk of a severe asthma attack.

Nucala is administered by injection once every 4 weeks and is meant to be used in conjunction with other asthma treatments as a maintenance medication. By using Nucala, patients have been found to not only experience fewer asthma incidents, but they are able to reduce the amount of their other asthma medications. Side effects include headache and a hypersensitivity reaction that can cause swelling of the face and tongue, dizziness, hives, and breathing problems.

Omalizumab, an immunomodulator, works differently from other anti-inflammatory medications for asthma . Xolair blocks the activity of IgE before it can lead to asthma attacks. Immunomodulator treatment has been shown to help reduce the number of asthma attacks in people with moderate to severe allergic asthma whose symptoms are not controlled with inhaled steroids.

Why Your Child Should Use An Inhaler When Having Asthma

Inhalers are close related to nebulizers. However, theyare smaller in size and they dont require a face mask. All your child has todo is wrap their lips around the inhaler end and breathe in the steam comingfrom it.

These devices can be used in children who suffer from different forms of asthma. But they are helpful in less severe conditions such as colds or sore throat. You can choose to invest in inhalers that can be used with asthma medicine or with natural pads. Ultimately, the type of inhaler you will pick should be approved by your doctor. It is also important to follow the instructions regarding how often you should have your child use such a device.

The affections that can be treated and alleviated by an inhaler are asthma, COPD, excess mucus, allergic reactions, Cystic Fibrosis and other similar problems.

Products

The following inhalers are of the highest quality! Theyare recommended by the best specialists in the industry and they will be veryhelpful for not only your child but everyone in your household. Make sure youcheck with your doctor before administrating any type of treatment to yourchild in order to stay on the safe side! 

What Are The Types Of Asthma Inhalers

There are a number of very effective inhalers, of course with the aid of a medical professional to walk you through the best possible options that you could choose from

• Metered Dose Inhalers : These inhalers majorly involve pushing a canister to release medication into the boot-shaped mouthpiece while others release the medication immediately you inhale through the mouthpiece without pushing a canister. This administers the medication a prescribed number of puffs but with a spacer, it is possible to inhale the full dose.  

Infants and young children unable to use the standard metered dose inhaler are provided with other alternatives a device that has a spacer with a face mask, although, the become difficult to carry about when it has a spacer attached to it, unlike the standard MDI.

• Dry Powder Inhalers: Unlike the MDI, there are no canisters in the DPIs, no requirement for a spacer and very easy to carry about, the medication is released to the lungs through rapid deep breaths after intake of the medication accidentally breathing out can cause the medication to blow away. This inhaler should be kept in a cool and dry place as high humidity can result in the clumping of the medication.

• Ventolin Asthma Evohaler: This is a device that easily relieves asthma symptoms. It contains an ingredient known as salbutamol sulfate which belongs to a group of fast-acting bronchodilators. The constituent of this inhaler makes it a lot easier for air to move in and out of the lungs.

What Are Asthma Medication Guidelines

The asthma medication guidelines classify asthma into different categories based on asthma symptoms during the day, asthma symptoms during the nighttime, use of rescue medications, impact of asthma on daily life, use of oral steroids, and breathing tests done in medical offices . The asthma classifications include mild intermittent asthma, mild persistent asthma, moderate persistent asthma, and severe persistent asthma.

Patients classified as having mild intermittent asthma generally only require short-acting rescue medications. Mild persistent asthma is treated with inhaled corticosteroids as recommended first-line therapy, with a leukotriene modifier, theophylline, or cromolyn as alternative therapies to the inhaled corticosteroids.

Patients with moderate persistent asthma are usually treated with an inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta-agonist, a higher dose of inhaled corticosteroid, or an inhaled steroid plus a leukotriene modifier or possibly theophylline.

Patients with severe persistent asthma are treated with the higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids plus the long-acting beta-agonists, leukotriene modifiers, possibly theophylline, possibly tiotropium, and possibly anti-IgE or anti IL-5 therapy. Patients with difficult-to-control asthma often end up on multiple types of medications, and some may require oral steroids to maintain control.

How Should People With Asthma Prep Before Getting The Vaccine

People with asthma should be excited to start their pathway towards immune protection, Stukus says. Other than that, individuals with asthma should be aware of the common side effects in case they need to plan for time off work the day after they receive their vaccine. Most expected adverse effects occur in the first 48 hours and are very mild and short-lived, Stukus explains.

Additional reporting by Quinn Phillips.

Safe And Effective Inhalers For Copd And Atrial Fibrillation

I have paroxysmal a fib and I am on metoprolol succinate ER . I also take Plaquenil for autoimmune . Just recently diagnosed and was given  symbicort 160 2x per day, and Flonase nasal. I started using the symbicort but I am having a lot of issues with mouth irritation , canker sores and I feel very hyper. Am concerned that the symbicort is going to trigger the a fib. My allergist doesnt seem too concerned.  Is symbicort used in a lot of patients with a fib ? Or what other inhalers would be best to use because of the a fib ? Thank you so much.Jean from Sonoma, CAirregular

The curved arrows in the right and left atrium indicate chaotic electrical activity leading to atrial fibrillation.

Which Inhalers Are Safe To Use In Those With COPD And Atrial Fibrillation?GOLDGOLDonlyorJeanAlso, are you using a valved holding chamber with the Symbicort? APlease note, the advice provided is not a substitute for asking your health care professional about your specific situation.

Will Medicine Help Me Sleep Better

Yes, if you have nighttime asthma symptoms. Many people wake up with asthma symptoms such as coughing or wheezing. You can control nighttime symptoms by taking asthma medicines as directed by your doctor. 

Removing triggers where you sleep may help you sleep better. Many people are allergic to dust mites and mold found in bedding materials. Using mattress or pillow encasements can help contain those allergens. Dehumidifiers can also be helpful to reduce the humidity in your home that dust mites and mold need to exist. Using air cleaners in your bedroom may also help reduce your exposure to allergens and irritants . 

How Do Anticholinergics Work To Improve Asthma Control

Tiotropium bromide is a long-acting anticholinergic medication. Anticholinergics relax and enlarge the airways in the lungs, making breathing easier . Tiotropium bromide is a maintenance medication used once a day along with other maintenance drugs when tighter control is needed for symptom relief . It is not a rescue inhaler. This drug may be used by individuals age 6 and older who have asthma.

Asthma Inhalers Are They Safe

Asthma inhalers are essential part of asthma management. They offer the advantage of delivering the medicine directly into your respiratory system . More importantly, it also means that the medication reaches the place it is required, far more quickly and easily, thereby resulting in faster relief of asthma symptoms

Asthma inhalers can be divided into four major categories of inhaled medication

• INHALER FOR IMMEDIATE RELIEF – These consist of short acting bronchodilators like Albuterol and pirbuterol .
• LONG ACTING BETA-2 AGONISTS – These also act by relieving the bronchospasm caused by the smooth muscles around the bronchioles, but they take much longer to provide relief and their effect is more persistent. They include salmeterol and formoterol .
• INHALED STEROIDS – Steroids prevent inflammation within the airways, and so reduce the swelling and blockage of the airways. Steroids used as inhalation include fluticasone , beclomethasone dipropionate , budesonide and flunisolide .
• AST CELL STABILIZERS – They include Cromolyn and nedocromil. These are medications which act in a long term by reducing the hypersensitivity of the bronchial mucosa, and prevent the development of asthma attacks in the long run.

For a small number of people, a short-term course of inhaled steroid, can lower the body’s resistance to chickenpox, so you should contact your doctor if you or your child are inhaling steroid and you/they come into contact with chickenpox.

How Do Prednisone And Systemic Steroids Work To Increase Asthma Control

Using systemic steroids such as methylprednisolone, prednisone, and prednisolone helps to treat severe asthma episodes, allowing people to gain better asthma control. Prednisone and other steroid drugs may be used to help control sudden and severe asthma attacks or in rare cases to treat long-term, hard-to-control asthma.

Most often, prednisone or another steroid is taken in high doses for a few days for more a severe asthma attack.

Side effects of systemic steroids can include weakness, acne, weight gain, mood or behavior changes, upset stomach, bone loss, changes, and slowing of growth. These side effects rarely occur with short-term use, such as for an acute asthma attack.

For in-depth information, see WebMD’s article on Prednisone and Asthma.

Best Inhalers For Asthma Kids

In some cases, choosing an inhaler for your child canturn out being one of the most important investments. You simply cant takerisks because if your kid has an asthma attack, they need to be prepared forit!inhalers are great for treating a wide range of respiratory issues. And theymight also prevent several of them, which is why investing in such a product isa great decision.

Related articles:

• Best portable nebulizers for kids

Is Your Asthma Well Controlled

If your asthma is poorly controlled your healthcare professional will probably put you on a controller medication. You have good asthma control if you:

• Do not have any breathing difficulties, cough or wheeze most days
• Sleep through the night without wakening with cough, wheeze or chest tightness
• Can exercise without cough, wheeze or chest tightness
• Do not miss work or school because of asthma
• Have a normal  breathing test
• Do not need your reliever inhaler 4 or more times a week

You can check to see if you are over-relying on your reliever inhaler by taking this quiz: How Much is Too Much

What Should People With Asthma Discuss With Their Healthcare Teams About The Covid

Ask in advance what you should do if your asthma flares up or if youre receiving immunotherapy shots or biologic infusions, Stukus says. Your healthcare providers can help determine whats right for you. Each individual should discuss these specific scenarios with their own allergist, if it pertains to them, he says.

RELATED: Who Should Be on Your Asthma Treatment Team?