Here's How to Use the Right Asthma Medication

Asthma sufferers need to know how to use asthma medications that are inhaled appropriately, such as inhalers and nebulizers, according to the instructions and the prescribed dosage. This is important so that the drug can work optimally in dealing with complaints of shortness of breath due to asthma attacks.

In addition to asthma medications taken as tablets or syrups, asthmatics can also use inhaled asthma medications available in the form of inhalers or nebulizers.

Using asthma medication through inhalers and nebulizers is considered as the most effective way to deal with asthma attacks. However, how to use this asthma medication must be right so that asthma attacks can be overcome and asthma can be controlled properly in the long run.

How to Use Asthma Medication that is Capable

The way inhalers and nebulizers work is by converting asthma medication in the form of liquid or powder into steam, and sending the drug into the respiratory tract directly by inhalation through the mouth.

Both of these tools can be used to treat sudden asthma attacks or control long-term asthma. The following is how to use asthma inhalers and nebulizers:

Inhaler

With its small shape, the inhaler is quite practical to carry everywhere. This tool also does not need electricity or batteries like a nebulizer. Then, what is the way to use this type of asthma medication? The following are the steps:

• Remove the lid of the inhaler.
• Stand or sit up straight.
• Shake the inhaler for 5 seconds.
• Tilt your head slightly back, then inhale and exhale deeply.
• Insert the inhaler between your teeth and keep your mouth shut tightly with the inhaler.
• Press the inhaler quickly to release the drug.
• Inhale as soon as the inhaler is sprayed out so that the drug enters the lungs.
• Breathe as usual for 3-5 seconds.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds to let the drug enter the lungs.
• Wait for about 30-60 seconds before taking the second puff.

Your doctor may recommend the use of spacers. This tool is an additional funnel that connects the inhaler with the mouth. Spacers are used so that the drug can be held briefly in the mouthpiece and does not go straight into the mouth, so that the inhaler user can inhale the drug more easily.

Inhalers can be used as drugs with fast reactions needed during sudden asthma attacks. The drug commonly used is salbutamol as much as 1-2 sucking, 4 times a day or as needed.

Inhalers can also be used for long-term asthma control. The medicine that is usually used is budesonide 1-2 times daily suction or formoterol which is inhaled every 12 hours

Nebulizer

If you have asthma, your doctor may also prescribe medication with a nebulizer. Nebulizer itself is an electric powered device that is used to convert asthma medication in the form of liquid into steam so that it can be inhaled and enter the lungs.

Usually, this tool is available in various hospitals, but some asthmatics may also have at home. The type of asthma medication used in a nebulizer is generally the same as an inhaler. However, the use of a nebulizer tends to be easier than inhalers, especially for asthma in children under the age of 4 years.

The following is how to use asthma medication in a nebulizer correctly:

• Place the nebulizer in a flat place.
• Make sure the equipment used is clean.
• Wash hands before preparing medicine.
• Put the medicine in the medicine cup. Make sure the dosage given is as directed or prescribed by your doctor.
• Connect the medicine cup to the machine, and the mouth mask to the medicine cup, using the hose provided.
• When the tool is ready, start the engine. If it functions normally, the device will emit mist or vapor containing the drug.
• Put the mask on your mouth. Make sure there are no breaks.
• Breathe slowly until the medicine is gone. Usually this process takes about 15-20 minutes.
• Keep the medicine cup upright while the device is being used.

Just like an inhaler, a nebulizer can also be used as an asthma medication during a sudden attack. Usually, the drug used is albuterol or a combination of salbutamol and iptratropium, 3-4 times a day or as needed.

In addition to sudden attacks, nebulizer can also be used to control long-term asthma. Examples of the drug are budesonide and formoterol which are inhaled 2 times a day. We recommend that you check with your doctor first to determine the type and dose of medication you need.

That's the way to use asthma medication that is inhaled using an inhaler and nebulizer. Use treatment wisely and according to doctor's directions. Side effects that can arise usually include nervousness, faster heart palpitations, abdominal pain, difficulty sleeping, and muscle aches or cramps.

If your asthma complaints haven't improved after using an inhaler or nebulizer, maybe the way to use your asthma medication isn't right or you need a higher dose. Immediately consult this matter to your doctor to get the right treatment, according to your needs.