Are there different types of air inhalers?
Yes. There are three major types of air inhalers. There are metered-dose inhalers which rely upon a propellant to force a pre-measured amount of medication into your lungs. It is not as common as it used to be because the propellant used is a CFC which is considered a threat to the ozone.
There are dry-powder inhalers, which do not require a propellant, and get into your lungs due to the force of your inhalation. Dry-powder inhalers are not strongly recommended for those with severe asthma or small children as they may not have the lung capacity to inhale the medication properly.
Finally, there are nebulizers, which have become more popular for home use. A nebulizer is a device that runs off electricity and sends the medication directly to your mouth and into your lungs by way of a tube. It is popular for children because there is a mask that can be used to facilitate getting the medicine into the lungs. All that is required by the user is to breathe normally.
Are air inhalers safe for children?
There are some slight side effects that have been noticed in children. The steroid based medications in air inhalers may inhibit growth, particularly in boys who have not yet reached puberty. There is also evidence that dry-powder inhalers contribute to tooth decay. However, in most cases the side effects are minor compared to the health benefit that the air inhalers provide for children, especially those suffering from asthma.
What are the side effects of the different types of air inhalers?
Side effects with any of the main types of inhalers are generally minor or non-existent in adults. For dry-inhalers you may experience an unpleasant taste because the powdered medication has to pass through your mouth to get to your lungs. There is also sometimes minor stomach discomfort and/or heartburn due to swallowing some of the dry-inhaler medication.
Large doses of the anti-inflammatory medication found in air inhalers can lead to a yeast infection in the mouth or throat. This can be easily treated. Probably the most severe side effect may be found in post-menopausal women. It is thought that the anti-inflammatory medications in air inhalers may hasten osteoporosis, though this can be treated with bone enhancing medications.
Some of the metered-dose air inhalers can result in allergic reactions due mainly to the aerosol propellant. If you experience a rash, itching, difficulty breathing or dizziness you should consult your physician.
Is it better to inhale asthma medications?
It is, in most cases, better to inhale your asthma medications for two major reasons. Firstly, by inhaling the medications your body as a whole is less exposed to the medications of the air inhaler. This results in fewer side effects for your body. Secondly, by inhaling the medications, they go directly into your lungs where the medication is needed. It is less diluted and faster acting because of inhaling.
Do air inhalers help with allergies and seasonal colds?
Air inhalers can be particularly helpful when dealing with allergies and/or seasonal colds. Air inhalers are not just for those suffering from asthma or other serious respiratory illnesses. They can offer great relief for those suffering from the most minor of respiratory issues. Nebulizers are particularly helpful when dealing with stuffiness because of their relaxing feature.
Can I use air inhalers when I am pregnant or nursing?
This depends upon a wide range of other issues. It is incredibly important that you consult your doctor before using an air inhaler of any type during pregnancy or while nursing. The drugs used in the air inhalers can be excreted into your breast milk. Your doctor will let you know what dosage you may use and the medication you may use.
