Lung disorders like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) are often treated with inhalers. These medical devices contain essential medication, which is administered directly to the airways and lungs when using an inhaler. Understanding the benefits of different inhalers and how they work is key to properly managing your lung condition.
Rescue inhalers use short-acting medications that immediately dilate the airways when breathing issues become particularly bad. While they have the same impact on the lungs, long-acting inhalers are taken each day and slowly release medication to provide lasting effects. Many people with lung conditions are prescribed both types of inhalers, and some inhalers contain each type of medicine for comprehensive relief.
Inhalers can vary in the way that they deliver medicine:
Improper use of inhaled medications can prevent a person from receiving full treatment. Accordingly, patients are encouraged to ask questions and follow their physician’s instructions if it is their first time using an inhaler.