The Breath Savers: Unveiling the Secrets of Rescue Inhalers
Rescue Inhalers: Life-Saving Asthma Medications
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that affects millions of people worldwide. A rescue inhaler, also known as a reliever inhaler, is an essential medication for managing asthma symptoms and preventing asthma attacks. Rescue inhalers work quickly to relax the muscles in the airways and ease asthma symptoms during flare ups. In this article, we will take a closer look at rescue inhalers, how they work, when to use them, and important tips for proper usage.
What are Rescue Inhalers?
Rescue inhalers, as the name suggests, are medications meant for rescue or relief of asthma symptoms during an asthma exacerbation. They work fast acting beta-2 agonists (SABAs) like albuterol or levalbuterol that help relax and open up airways within minutes of use. Common rescue inhalers include albuterol (ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin), levalbuterol (Xopenex), and pirbuterol (Maxair). These medications come in a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler (DPI) for easy administration during an asthma attack.
How Do Rescue Inhalers Work?
Rescue inhalers work by activating beta-2 receptors in the lungs. Beta-2 receptors are located in the smooth muscle lining of the airways. When activated, these receptors cause the muscles around the airways to relax and open, making it easier to breathe. SABAs relax and dilate constricted airways within a few minutes of use, providing fast relief from coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. The effects of a single inhalation from a rescue inhaler typically last for 3 to 6 hours.
When to Use a Rescue Inhaler
Rescue inhalers should be used for acute asthma symptoms or “rescues.” Common signs that warrant rescue inhaler use include:
– Coughing
– Wheezing
– Chest tightness
– Shortness of breath
– Trouble speaking in full sentences due to breathlessness
Rescue inhalers are meant for short term, temporary relief and are not intended as maintenance medications. However, frequent use may indicate inadequate long term asthma control and the need for adjunctive maintenance medications.
Proper Technique is Important
Using a rescue inhaler correctly is crucial to ensuring the medication reaches the lungs effectively. Some important tips for proper rescue inhaler use:
– Shake the inhaler well before each use.
– Stand or sit up straight with shoulders back.
– Breathe out fully, sealing lips around mouthpiece.
– Press down firmly on canister while breathing in slowly and deeply.
– Hold breath for 10 seconds then breathe out slowly through slightly open lips.
– Rinse mouth with water after use to prevent thrush.
– Do not spray inhaler into mouth. Aim mist towards back of throat.
Cleaning regularly, replacing canisters when empty, and not exposing inhalers to temperature extremes also helps ensure optimal medication delivery. Proper technique takes practice but is necessary for rescue inhalers to work effectively during asthma flare ups.
Using a Rescue Inhaler and Seeking Medical Help
If shortness of breath or other asthma symptoms do not improve after use of the rescue inhaler, it is important to seek medical assistance right away. Reasons to seek emergency help include:
– No relief after using rescue inhaler
– Increased use of rescue inhaler (more than 2 times a week)
– Inability to perform usual activities
– Symptoms that worsen over time despite treatment
– Chest/neck “pulling” in
– Stridor – high-pitched noisy breathing
– Difficulty talking due to shortness of breath
Failing to treat worsening asthma can lead to a medical emergency if oxygen levels in the blood become critically low. It is always better to be safe than sorry and get medical evaluation promptly if asthma symptoms are not responding to initial treatment with the rescue inhaler. Early treatment can prevent asthma exacerbations from progressing to life-threatening attacks requiring hospitalization.
Conclusion
In summary, rescue inhalers play an essential role in controlling acute asthma symptoms and preventing asthma exacerbations. With proper usage technique and administration guidelines, rescue inhalers can provide reliable and effective relief during asthma flare ups. However, frequent use may signify inadequate long term control requiring maintenance medication adjustments. Knowing when medical help is needed is also important for optimum asthma management and preventing serious asthma attacks. Rescue inhalers complement other treatment modalities to help asthma patients safely manage their condition on a daily basis.
