Types of Asthma Inhalers

Asthma is a common lung disease that affects many people. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, there are more than 15 million cases of asthma in the United States alone. There are varying degrees of asthma, and different cases call for one or more inhalers to properly treat the condition. Coughing, phlegm buildup, itchy lungs and difficult breathing are some of the standard symptoms associated with asthma. Different inhalers work to provide short and long-term relief.

Aerobid and Asmanex Inhalers

When a person has an asthma attack or is experiencing difficulty breathing, anti-inflammatory inhalers can be used for immediate treatment. Most of these inhalers contain corticosteroid, which is a kind of steroid hormone that controls inflammation. The Aerobid inhaler contains flunisolide, a corticosteroid chemical with multiple functions. It serves to decrease swelling of the lungs and fights the buildup of phlegm, providing instant relief. Asmanex is a similar inhaler. Mometasone is the active ingredient. This is another dry powder corticosteroid that decreases inflammation.

Flovent and Intal Inhalers

Two other kinds of fast-acting inhalers provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms. The Flovent inhaler contains fluticasone, a corticosteroid. Inflammation and swelling in the lungs is reduced instantly when this inhaler is used. The Intal inhaler is slightly different. It contains cromolyn, a mast cell stabilizer. The cromolyn serves to prevent histamines from being released in the lungs. Histamines are what sometimes cause the itching and swelling associated with asthma.

Alupent and Xopenex Inhalers

Alupent inhalers are used as short-acting bronchodilators. The purpose of a bronchodilator is to dilate the bronchioles in the lungs. There is less airway restriction when the bronchioles dilate, and it becomes easier to breathe. You have to inhale Alupent with special breathing equipment. It opens your lungs, reducing symptoms of asthma throughout the day. Another similar product is the Xopenex inhaler which contains levalbuterol. This is a new inhaler with fewer side effects than the original albuterol models that could make a person dizzy and leave him with cotton-mouth. The Xopenex inhaler helps muscles in the lungs to relax while dilating the bronchioles.

Foradil Inhaler

Foradil is a long-acting bronchodilator, and is used for long-term prevention of asthma attacks. Formoterol is the active ingredient. It minimizes breathing problems over an extended period of use, and it also helps prevent asthma attacks brought on by physical exertion. Exercise-induced breathing problems are common for asthmatics, and Foradil is one of the leading treatment options. It is intended for people older than 5 years of age. Users should remember that this inhaler does not provide immediate relief for an asthma attack. An instant-relief inhaler with corticosteroids should be kept on hand at all times just in case.

Advair Inhaler

Advair is a hybrid inhaler that contains a long-term bronchodilator called salmeterol. This ingredient works to gradually open your lungs and prevent phlegm buildup over time. Advair also contains fluticasone, an effective corticosteroid. Although this corticosteroid inhaler reduces inflammation and swelling of the lungs, it is not as effective for an asthma attack as a fast-acting inhaler like Asmanex. Advair should be used for steady asthma maintenance, rather than instant relief.

References

• Mayo Clinic
• Health Central