An inhaler can help control breathlessness caused by asthma

People suffering from asthma are often recommended to use an Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) by their doctors. An MDI is a device that delivers a specific amount of medication to the lungs through the mouth and has substituted tablets and syrups in a number of countries. It can also be prescribed for emphysema, chronic bronchitis, COPD and other lung diseases.

MDIs are safe and have proved to be more effective for bronchial asthma than tablets and syrups. This is because the medicine is inhaled in aerosol form enabling direct delivery to the lungs. It usually consists of a canister, metering valve and a mouthpiece. The canister is filled with medication which is dispensed by the valve in measured quantities. The mouthpiece is from where the patient inhales the medicine through the mouth to the lungs.

It is important to learn to use an inhaler correctly to allow the medication to reach the lungs. The patient needs to shake the inhaler and press down on top of the canister. This releases a single metered dose which needs to be inhaled slowly. The patient then needs to hold the breath for a few seconds and allow the medicine to go to the lungs.

Inhalers usually contain medication such as steroids to reduce inflammation and bronchodilator drugs to open up your airways. Few can be a combination of both. MDIs also come with spacers that are commonly used by children. The spacer is an oval container which is connected to the MDI and the mouthpiece. It helps reduce the speed at which the medicine is delivered through the inhaler.

An MDI can help keep Breathlessness and other symptoms under control and delivers the measured dose of medicine to your lungs. However, it is important to follow the instructions prescribed on an MDI before using one. MDIs also need to be cleaned regularly and should be stored in a place which is easily accessible to you, but out of children’s reach. They also need to be stored at room temperature and should be checked for expiry before using it.

Besides MDI, there are also Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs) that deliver dry powder directly to your lungs when inhaled through your mouth. However, they require you to breathe in quickly and deeply to get the correct dose as compared to a pressurized inhaler. This is particularly difficult for people with severe asthma and breathing problems as they may find it hard to take a deep breath during an asthma attack.