INHALER TO THE RESCUE

Many asthma patients rely upon the use of a rescue inhaler to relieve acute asthma symptoms during an asthma attack.  The inhaler is a small hand-held container with a mouthpiece through which a dose of asthma drugs enters the mouth and goes directly into the lungs.  The medication works by quickly relaxing the smooth muscles in the respiratory tract so that breathing becomes easier and more normal.  Problems arise when asthmatics do not use the inhaler as prescribed.  The frequent use of a rescue inhaler is an indication that asthma symptoms are not under control. At this point, it’s time to review the patient’s Asthma Action Plan in order to adjust long-term asthma medications.

P.S.  By adding a tube-like spacer to an inhaler canister, children or individuals with physical disabilities can administer the inhaled drug more easily.

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