Using inhaler for asthma: this is how your medicine works better

Why proper inhalation is so important

Medications for asthma work in your airways. Therefore, the medicine must get deep enough into your lungs. If inhaling does not go well, the effect may be less. You may continue to suffer from shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing. Side effects may also occur more quickly.

Many people make small mistakes unnoticed after a while. This is perfectly normal. The steps vary from one inhaler to another. That is why it is wise to have your technique checked regularly, even if you have been using your inhaler for some time.

What medications are often contained in an asthma inhaler?

With asthma, there are roughly two main groups of inhaler medications.

• The first group are airway dilators. A well-known active ingredient is salbutamol. This is a fast-acting bronchodilator that often helps with shortness of breath within minutes. The effect usually lasts for several hours. Possible side effects include trembling hands, agitation or palpitations.
• The second group are inhaled anti-inflammatories, also called inhaled corticosteroids. Examples are beclomethasone and budesonide. These drugs make your airways calmer and less sensitive to stimuli. They do not work immediately for acute shortness of breath, but rather as a maintenance treatment. You often only notice a clear difference after days or weeks.

Sometimes you get a combination inhaler. This contains, for example, formoterol and budesonide, or formoterol and beclomethasone. Formoterol dilates the airways longer. Budesonide or beclometasone inhibits inflammation at the same time. So you get two actions in one inhaler.

Are you using an inhaler with a corticosteroid? If so, it is often important to rinse your mouth after use. This reduces the risk of hoarseness, irritation in the throat or a fungal infection in the mouth.

Which inhaler suits you?

There are different types of inhalers, such as a metered dose inhaler and a powdered inhaler. A metered dose inhaler is a spray. You often use those with a pre-set chamber. That helps get the medicine into the lungs better. A powder inhaler just requires you to inhale forcefully enough.

So the right device depends not only on the medicine, but also on what you can easily and properly use. This is why explanations for each inhaler are important.

How do we help you as a pharmacy?

We don't just give you your medicine. We also show you how to use your inhaler and check if your technique is still good. Do you get a new inhaler, do you keep having complaints or are you in doubt about your use?

We are the trusted pharmacy in your neighborhood. We work closely with your GP or specialist. We know you, your doctor knows you and you know us. This allows us to assist you personally, close by and in a way that suits you. You can also arrange a lot online, such as repeat medication or a question about your medication.

What is available without a prescription and what is not?

Asthma medication such as salbutamol, beclomethasone, budesonide and combination inhalers are prescribed by the doctor or specialist. We can advise you on the use and maintenance of a pre-chamber and on re-practicing your inhalation technique.

Would you like to read up at home? Then check the information on Thuisarts.nl about medicines for asthma and the explanation about inhalers on Apotheek.nl.

Products or medications mentioned in this article

Prescription:

• salbutamol
• salbutamol
• beclometason
• budesonide
• formoterol with budesonide
• formoterol with beclomethasone

Aids:

• inhaler
• dose aerosol
• poederinhalator
• voorzetkamer

Vragen?

Please feel free to ask. We're happy to help.

Sources

Thuisarts.co.uk - I use medicine for asthma, Apotheek.co.uk - salbutamol inhalation, Apotheek.co.uk - beclometasone inhalation, Apotheek.co.uk - formoterol with budesonide inhalation, Apotheek.co.uk - formoterol with beclometasone inhalation, Apotheek.nl - Inhalers with and without pre-chamber, inhaleruse.nl - Welcome to inhaler use, inhaleruse.nl - Doseaerosol (always with pre-chamber), Longfonds - Inhaler or puffer, Longfonds - What medications do you use with asthma?