If you have asthma, managing your symptoms is crucial to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Here in Tampa Bay, our mild climate and ridiculous humidity can make asthma symptoms seem worse. For the best asthma symptom management, we recommend all our asthma patients carry an inhaler that is best for their specific needs and situation. In this post, we’ll discuss the different types of asthma inhalers and how to find the best one for you.
Types of Asthma Inhalers
Asthma inhalers come in two main categories:
- Rescue inhalers
- Maintenance inhalers
Each type of inhaler plays a role in total asthma management. Asthma patients should know the difference between these inhaler types to control their asthma symptoms most effectively.
Rescue Inhalers
Rescue inhalers, also known as reliever inhalers, are used to quickly relieve acute asthma symptoms. They are essential for treating sudden asthma attacks and are meant to be used during an episode of wheezing, shortness of breath, or other asthma symptoms. The most common active ingredient in these inhalers is a short-acting beta-agonist (SABA), such as albuterol, which works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe within minutes. Some rescue inhalers also contain a corticosteroid to help prevent asthma attacks. Rescue inhalers can usually be used every 4 to 6 hours as needed.
Maintenance Inhalers
Unlike rescue inhalers, maintenance inhalers are used once or twice daily as a preventive measure to control chronic asthma and reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks. These inhalers usually contain corticosteroids alone or in combination with long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) or a combination of LABA and a long-acting antimuscarinic (LAMA). Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways, while LABAs and LAMAs help to keep the airways open for a longer period of time. Inhalers that contain more than one medication, like a corticosteroid and an LABA, are called combination inhalers. These inhalers are convenient for people who need both maintenance medications since they reduce the number of inhalers a person must use and carry around. Making asthma management more simple increases compliance and leads to better outcomes.
It’s important to note that maintenance inhalers do not provide immediate relief of symptoms and should not be used during an asthma attack.
Choosing the Right Inhaler
Choosing the best inhaler for you requires careful examination of your asthma symptoms, health history, mobility, and other demographic factors. A qualified physician can help you determine which type of inhaler you need by reviewing the following factors:
Assess Your Asthma Control
Regular check-ups with an asthma specialist are crucial. They can assess how well your asthma is controlled and adjust your treatment accordingly. If you’re using your rescue inhaler more often than recommended, it might be a sign that you need a maintenance inhaler as well.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Some inhalers require more frequent doses than others. If you have a busy lifestyle or difficulty remembering to take medication, a combination inhaler might be more appropriate.
Ease of Use
The design of the inhaler can also impact its suitability for you. Some people may find certain inhalers easier to use than others. During your consultation, demonstrate how you use your inhaler to ensure you are getting the maximum benefit from it.
Discuss Options with Your Allergist
Your allergist can provide guidance based on the latest asthma treatments and what’s best for your particular situation. They can help you navigate the options and find the most effective and convenient treatment plan.
Asthma Treatment in Tampa Bay
Here at AllergyTampa.com, we help all our asthma patients understand the different inhaler types and choose the best combination of inhalers for their symptom management. If you need asthma care in Tampa Bay, call us at 813-971-9743 to schedule an appointment.
