asthma inhalers | Asthma inhalers: Which one's right for you

 Inhalers for asthma

 which one is right for you?

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Comparison of the types of inhalers

The choice of asthma inhaler that best meets your needs depends on several factors, including the method of administration and the type of medication you need. Some medications are available only with certain types of inhalers. The chart below can help you understand the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

Characteristics of inhalers for asthma
Metered dose inhaler Metered dose inhaler with spacer Dry powder inhaler
Small and practical to carry. Less practical to carry than a metered dose inhaler without a spacer. Small and practical to carry.
It does not require a quick and deep inhalation. It does not require a quick and deep inhalation. It requires a quick and deep inhalation.
No problem if you exhale accidentally. No problem if you exhale accidentally. If you exhale accidentally you can disperse the medication.
Some inhalers require coordination of breathing with the release of the medication. A spacer facilitates the coordination of breathing with the release of the medication. It does not require the coordination of breathing with the release of the medication.
There may be traces of medication on the back of the throat and tongue. Less traces of medication remain in the back of the throat and tongue. There may be traces of medication on the back of the throat and tongue.
Some models do not indicate how many doses are left. Some models do not indicate how many doses are left. It is clear when the device is running out of medication.
It requires shaking and priming the inhaler. It requires shaking and priming the inhaler as well as the correct use of the spacer. Single dose models require the loading of capsules for each use.
The humidity does not affect the medicine. The humidity does not affect the medicine. A lot of moisture can cause the medicine to agglomerate.
In general, it is not necessary to use a dosing device. In general, it is not necessary to use a dosing device. It may require dexterity to use a dosing device.
Other devices

Some people can not use a standard metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler, and need another device to receive asthma medication. These include the following:

Metered dose inhaler with mask. In general, babies or small children need a mask. This device uses a standard metered dose inhaler with a spacer. The mask is attached to the spacer and is sized to fit tightly over the nose and mouth to ensure that the correct dose of medication reaches the lungs.
Nebulizer The nebulizer is a device that turns the medication to treat asthma into a fine spray that is inhaled through a mouthpiece or mask placed over the nose and mouth. The nebulizer is usually reserved for those who can not use an inhaler, such as babies, small children, very sick people or people who need high doses of medication.
Work with the doctor to determine what type of inhaler works best for you. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, or other health professional to show you how to use it.

Using the inhaler correctly is essential to ensure that you receive the prescribed dose of medication and thus control asthma. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble using the inhaler or if you think you are not receiving the full dose of the medication.

Replace the inhaler if it has passed its expiration date or if it indicates that all doses have been used.