For ASTHMATICS: Using an inhaler effectively

[nazwarner]

i'm in my final year at med school mate, and you shouldn't be blowing into your spacer... you're supposed to exhale away from the device. that way you're not sticking any germs from your lungs into the device and you're not disrupting the static inside the device. thus your inhaler usage would be even more effective!! the rest of your technique is pretty good though.

[OsmanYusuf]

Thanks Mate.

However the one way valve prevents all that from happening.

Take care,

Dr O

[Bensims777]

Just got one today woke up this morn I couLd not breath really scary .have a new respected for my lungs now

[OsmanYusuf]

What did you do then?

Did you have any coughing, oe wheezing sounds from your chest?

Any sneezing, or fever?

[Jicim]

haha thats what i do. two or three puffs in one inhalation. but i don't exhale back into my inhaler. and fuck spacers.

[OsmanYusuf]

There's a difference between permanent CURE from asthma, and merely controlling the illness.

A PROPER Spacer device is essential for CURE, and also for optimal control

[roughryder5]

I don't know why, but i get embarrassed using the puffer in public. Just recently my asthma has gotten worse and i would have to secretly use the puffer so no one sees O.o Maybe its because the media always portrays people with asthma as 'nerds' and 'geeks' :@ !!!

[OsmanYusuf]

If you asthma is of an allergic cause, you can do very well on proper use of anti allergy tablets (the types which do NOT make you drowsy), and also a tablet called Montelukast.

Taken together, along with proper cleaning of the nose, to ensure that it doesnt get blocked, can help to control the asthma, sometimes even WITHOUT needing a puffer.

[hippydude89]

omg same!

[OsmanYusuf]

Once upon a time Asthma used to be an inherited condition. Thats what most chest specialists will tell you.

With time and research, we learned that allergy, especially nasal allergy (allergic rhinitis) can lead to asthma, if not treated in time.

We now know that several other factors, OTHER THAN ALLERGY AND INHERITANCE, can scause asthma, like excessive environemntal pollution, stress, hormonal disturbances (especially in females), certain occupations etc.

[slaterisland]

How do you get athsma?

[OsmanYusuf]

Fortunately now, asthma is TOTALLY controllable, and in many cases, even CURABLE. It depends upon the cause.

That is why the American Acdemy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology recommends that when the Chest Specialist cannot treat the asthma, a patient must go and see an Allergy Specialist.

Please feel free to post any questions on asthma. If you like scientific and academic references to my answers, I can provide those also.

[radmartdog1986]

You shouldn't press the canister more then once at a time! really bad, you wouldn't do it without the spacer, also says not to do it in the instructions.

[redemption2005]

I was about to say this.

One puff at a time . . . and wait 30 seconds to a minute between puffs.

[radmartdog1986]

exactly, people need to be aware of how to use their medication properly. I had a bad reaction from not once, wasn't pleasant at all.

[redemption2005]

I can imagine. I was almost 17 before I had asthma, so I've been fortunate enough to understand the importantce of taking my medications properly from the get-go.

I learned just this week how to use the puffer without the spacer, so I've gotten pretty good at managing the spacer.

The video description, therefore, is highly inaccurate--this isn't an effective way to use your inhaler.

[1992peter]

I have to take one every night.

It helps.

I don't know how it's funny though.

I just do it.

[OsmanYusuf]

Depends on which inhaler you use. There are the bronchodilators (relievers) and the steroids (controllers).

You should be using a controller daily with the reliever whenever needed.

Take care, and stay healthy.

[1992peter]

THANKS

I use an inhaler called ASTHMONEX. I DON'T KNOW IF THAT'S THE CORRECT SPELLING BUT IT'S ALMOST.

I use take one each night.

Now if I'm sick I usually take one or two a day.

[VeronicaDeVore]

there is no need to exhale into the spacer device before inhaling.

[OsmanYusuf]

You are right. The only reason a patient needs to exhale into the spacer device is to be able to take a deeper breath. If an asthmatic can inhale a long, deep breath, then he doesnt need to exhale.

[benmuskler]

hahahahhahah lmao i like inhalers... they are funny

[conksgrl]

how are inhalers funny, i get emarrassed about mine

[OsmanYusuf]

Thanks for your response.