7 Benefits of Using an Inhaler
Do you suffer from asthma or another type of lung condition? If so, you’ve likely heard of inhalers to control symptoms that these conditions produce.
Inhalers are also known as bronchodilators. Their job is to deliver inhaled medicine into the lungs that help open air pathways, allowing you to easily breathe.
The three main types of inhalers are metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, and soft mist inhalers. All of these inhalers offer many advantages for those with asthma or lung issues.
Keep reading this guide to learn about the seven benefits of using an inhaler.
1. Portable
When it comes to asthma, you’ll need your inhaler handy when your breathing acts up in public. Luckily, most prescription inhalers are small enough for you to carry them wherever you go.
The fact that inhalers are portable will help you avoid uncomfortable flare-ups that may occur in public.
2. Convenience
Most medicines take days, weeks, or even months to start working. The great thing about inhalers, specifically rescue inhalers, is that they will start working right away.
Since inhalers quickly relieve your symptoms, you will have much less worry or panic when symptoms like shortness of breath arise.
3. Simple to Use
Most inhalers do not require much work or preparation. Metered dose inhalers only require the press of a button, and dry powder inhalers require you to just breathe in.
Soft mist inhalers do take a little preparation, but most people find them pretty easy to use.
4. Better Asthma Control
Even if your asthma symptoms are mild, it is unhealthy for your symptoms not to be managed. Inhalers will improve the overall health of your lungs.
This is especially true for steroid inhalers. Unlike rescue inhalers, steroid inhalers will consistently regulate your asthma symptoms and decrease flare-ups.
The Symbicort inhaler is one example of an effective steroid inhaler.
5. Cost-Efficient
Inhalers are known to be pricy without health insurance. However, with insurance, they are fairly inexpensive.
Albuterol is a prescribed asthma medication that typically ranges from 30 dollars or less. Check with your health care provider and insurance company to find the most reasonably priced inhaler for you.
6. Less Likely to be Hospitalized
According to the ACAAI, there are over 1.3 million emergency room visits for asthma attacks per year. Uncontrolled asthma can worsen over time and not having an inhaler on hand can increase the likelihood of a severe attack.
Some asthma attacks can even result in fatality. Therefore, access to an inhaler will lessen the chance of hospitalization due to asthma or other lung complications.
7. Few Side-Effects
Many people wonder if inhalers cause any side effects. While side effects can occur, many people find them to be mild and overall bearable in comparison to other medications.
That being said, it’s important to speak with your doctor about the possible side effects of your prescribed inhaler, and always be sure to use your inhaler responsibly.
Advantages of Using an Inhaler
Those were the 7 advantages of using an inhaler. If you think an inhaler is right for you, don’t hesitate to speak with your health care provider as soon as possible.
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