What Do Inhalers Do to Help Stop Your Asthma Attack?

It may seem obvious but ask someone what do inhalers do to help stop your asthma attack? And they may struggle to provide an answer. Inhalers or puffers are actually a very common sight around many school playgrounds, and it seems that the number of children with asthma is increasing.

Asthma is a common and chronic condition that directly impacts on the body's respiratory system. Airways in the lungs become constricted and inflamed. There are some common reasons why asthma may develop include allergens, smoke, cold or warm air, perfume, pets, moist air and exercise. Inhalers are the most common forms of medical treatment for asthma sufferers.

There are three main types of inhalers; Nebulizers, Dry Powder Inhaler or Metered-Dose Inhaler. So what do inhalers do to help stop your asthma attack? They are basically designed to deliver a prescribed medicine into the lungs. Nebulizers are not often used forms of inhalers, although it does deliver a liquid mist into the lungs. It is the most potent of inhalers but does have side effects, and so use is limited to the most serious cases of asthma.

Dry Powder Inhalers or DPIs deliver a measured dose of powder to the lungs. The inhaler mouthpiece is then put into the mouth and inhalers the dose, holding the breath for up to ten seconds. DPIs are common forms of getting medication into the lungs, although some people won't use them as they invoke coughing.

The Metered-Dose Inhaler is by far the most common form of inhaler. This releases a pressured dose of aerosol medication. In taking a deep breath out, the medication is then inhaled for ten seconds.

So what do inhalers do to help stop your asthma attack? Well they provide medication to prevent a serious attack as a controller medication, or help to reduce the impact of an attack with quick-relief or rescue medicine. Inhalers though are not the be all and end all of medical treatment and if you do not have one to hand during an asthma attack then there is still plenty that can be done. Having a cup of strong black coffee is a muscle relaxant to help constricted airways. Also a hot shower and the steam allow the body to relax.

Remember though that when asked what do inhalers do to help stop your asthma attack? Well they might just be the thing that saves someone's life.