What are the different types of inhalers?
It may come as a surprise to some that there are a variety of different types of asthma inhalers that deliver a wide range of different asthma medication. At first glance, many would assume the conventional hand pump inhaler is the only form of an inhaler and that all hand pump inhalers deliver the same medicine. However, as we will explore in this article, there are many different types of Asthma inhalers that deliver a number of different medicines that can serve different purposes from relieving to prevents symptoms. Understanding the different types of Asthma inhalers and each Asthma medicine can help you best treat your symptoms.
One of the first questions to ask is what types of inhalers are there for asthma?
You can break down inhalers into two main categories: relievers, preventers. The types of medicine used in an inhaler can be determined by whether an inhaler is being used to relive Asthma symptoms or prevent Asthma symptoms.
Reliever Inhaler
As the name suggests reliever inhalers are a form of Asthma medicine that relieve symptoms of Asthma. Reliever inhalers are usually blue and they act to give relief to asthma symptoms and can be used to provide emergency relief when suffering an asthma attack. A reliever inhaler will deliver medicine directly to your lungs relaxing the muscles surrounding your airways. The airways then open more widely, making it easier for the person experiencing an Asthma attack to breathe again. Usually, you will feel a difference in your breathing in a few minutes.
Preventer Inhaler
Designed to reduce overall symptoms for Asthma sufferers, Preventer inhalers work by delivering medicine to prevent inflammation and swelling in the airways. By using a preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, with good technique, an Asthma sufferer’s airways will be less sensitive. Meaning that you’ll be less likely to react to your usual Asthma triggers. It is important to use a preventer everyday even you are feeling well and not experience Asthma symptoms. The longer a preventer inhaler is used the more the protective effect of the inhaler builds up.
Allergy induced Asthma
In a slightly separate category, for some, Asthma symptoms are triggered by allergies they have. Allergy induced asthma requires a different approach to treat to reduce the bodies sensitivity to a specific substance causing the allergic reaction.
Biologics
Biologics are taken with control medicine to stop underlying biological responses that are causing inflammation in the lungs. These are typically used to help manage more severe asthma symptoms. The type of medication includes Xolair, Nucala, Fasenra and Cinqair.
Which inhaler should you use?
The different types of Asthma inhalers can deliver either relieving or preventing medication. MyPharmacy offers a wide range of inhalers so by understanding what inhalers & brands offer what medicine you can better understand how to manage your Asthma symptoms.
Ventolin Evohaler
The Ventolin Evohaler uses should be limited to when you are suffering Asthma symptoms. The Ventolin Evohaler is a standard puffer reliever Asthma inhaler. Ventolin will give you quick relief from breathing problems, only to be used when you need it.
The Ventolin Evohaler uses a propellant called HFA 134a. This is less harmful to the environment than older versions/variations. You may notice a difference in taste; however, this will make no difference to medicine and its effects. The active ingredient, Salbutamol is a fast-acting and effective treatment for many symptoms of asthma including shortness of breath and wheezing. The Ventolin Evohaler uses an easy to use hand pump puffer device to deliver the medication.
Clenil Modulite
The Clenil Modulite inhaler is a preventer inhaler used to prevent the symptoms of mild, moderate or severe asthma. The Clenil Modulite inhaler contains the active ingredient beclomethasone dipropionate, a steroid otherwise known as a corticosteroid. These steroids help reduce inflammation and swelling within the walls of the lungs and small airways.
The standard starting dose for adults and the elderly is one puff, twice a day. The Clenil Modulite inhaler is too strong for children and is therefore not suitable.
Flixotide Evohaler
Flixotide Envohaler is a preventer inhaler and belongs to a group of medicines called corticosteroids, generally called steroids. When used, a small dose of the steroid is inhaled directly into the lungs. Once inhaled the Flixotide Envohaler reduces the swelling and irritation of the lungs. This is called an ‘anti-inflammatory action’.
Flixotide helps prevent asthma attacks in people who regularly experience them. This is why Flixotide Asthma is sometimes referred to as a ‘preventer’. Someone using Flixotide would be using it regularly and every day.
Pink Asthma Inhaler
This inhaler differs to most inhalers as the Fostair inhaler can be used to both prevent and relieve symptoms of asthma, specifically in adults. The Fostair inhaler comprises a pressurised inhalation which contains two active substances, Beclometasone dipropionate and Formoterol fumarate dihydrate, inhaled orally, directly into the lungs.
Formoterol fumarate dihydrate is a muscle relaxer, allowing the airways to breathe easier. It belongs to a group of medicines known as long-acting bronchodilators. The Fostair inhaler can also treat many of these following lung/breathing issues
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Chronic Bronchitis
- Breathing difficulties brought on by exercise
Salamol
Like the Ventolin, The Salamol inhaler is a reliever inhaler and works to relieve short term symptoms of Asthma. The Salamol (Salbutamol) CFC Free Inhaler does not contain chlorofluorocarbons CFCs are being phased out in industry, home products and medicines because of their harm the Earth’s stratospheric ozone layer.
Salamol CFC Free Inhaler 100 mcg contains the generic ingredient Salbutamol. Salbutamol belongs to a group of medicines called fast-acting bronchodilators. Bronchodilators help reduce inflammation and keep the airways open to your lungs, as well as relieving chest tightness, wheezing and coughing.
Which inhaler should you use?
Hopefully from this article, you have a greater understanding of what types of inhalers are there for asthma. However, it is important to consult your GP if you suffer from asthma and are considering medication. MyPharmacy offers a free online consultation conducted by an NHS certified medical professional. Once your consultation is complete your application will be reviewed and you will be written a prescription and able to place your order. MyPharmacy offers online order on a wide range of inhalers available with next day delivery.
Once you’ve purchased an inhaler it is important to practise proper inhaler technique to ensure you don’t encounter any problems with using your inhaler.
