Combat Your Asthma By Using These Simple Tips

For someone who has never been diagnosed with asthma, difficulty breathing during physical activity is especially frightening. Most people think of asthma as something that affects a person day in and day out, which is not the case for those with exercise-induced asthma. This article outlines some of the basics of this common condition, which affects million of men, women and children in the United States. The joys of exercise and sports nurture the body and the mind, making it more important than ever to look for ways to prevent and manage the symptoms of exercise-induced asthma. Read on and then get moving!

To properly diagnose and treat exercise-induced asthma, your doctor will assess your symptoms. Exercise-induced asthma is often triggered by the effects of mouth-breathing during physical activity, compounded with a heightened sensitivity of the muscles of the airways. The airways contract in response to changes in the temperature and humidity of the air caused by breathing through the mouth, causing the exerciser to experience wheezing, shortness of breath, a tightening sensation in the chest and unusually severe feelings of fatigue.

Your doctor will also ask questions about the frequency and duration of your symptoms. In exercise-induced asthma, symptoms typically occur between five to 20 minutes of engaging in physical activity. In others, the symptoms begin approximately five to 10 minutes after stopping the activity. A physician might also order a physical examination or breathing tests to measure your lung capacity.

If you struggle with exercise-induced asthma, you have a number of viable options to prevent or manage your symptoms. For example, many people find that warm-ups and cool-downs before and after physical activity can help acclimate the body to exercise and reduce or avoid problematic symptoms. Others find that avoiding exercise during peak pollen and air pollution days is helpful. It is also helpful to avoid strenuous physical activity during or immediately after an illness.

When behavioral changes are not sufficient, your doctor may recommend prescription medication or breathing treatments. Asthma inhalers may be used immediately before or after physical activity; the most commonly prescribed inhalers contain albuterol, a beta-2 agonist. Daily 'maintenance' medications might also be prescribed for those who are highly susceptible to asthma symptoms. Another option for exercise-induced asthma sufferers is a breathing treatment containing cromolyn sodium (Intal or Tilade). These treatments are administered by inhalation and are most effective when taken about 15 or 20 minutes prior to physical activity.

In most cases, managing your condition is sufficient to enable you to participate in nearly any sport or activity. For those with more severe symptoms, it may be necessary to avoid activities performed in cooler temperatures, such as ice skating, ice hockey or skiing. It is also advisable to avoid sports that require prolonged periods of exertion, including soccer, basketball and distance running.

There Are Several Choices and Uses for Respiratory Equipment

Patients with lung diseases including COPD, asthma and a number of other ailments benefit from a variety of respiratory equipment and devices that carry medication to their lungs and help improve respiratory function.

Meter Dose Inhalers (MDI)

A meter dose inhaler, or MDI, is one of the cheapest and most convenient respiratory devices to use that can be delivered right to your door. They are small and easy to use, delivering a minimal amount of medication that can help open up the throat if inhaled and restore respiratory functions. To use a meter dose inhaler, you simply inhale and then hold for a few seconds before exhaling.

Spacers

Spacers are also commonly used by those who suffer from lung disease and other breathing issues. Spacers are available in a number of different variations, the most common one being the Aero chamber. It is basically a long tube that is used with the MDI as a mouthpiece. It tells a person how much of any medication to inhale and has a whistle to let the person inhaling know when it is okay to stop. In a time of panic it can be difficult knowing when to breathe and inhale, but with a spacer you'll have the proper timing and won't have to worry about performing the steps right during stressful times.

Compressors

You'll also need a compressor as a contingency plan when using meter dose inhalers. A Compressor is a backup nebulizer and typically should only be used if the MDI has failed. Any patient who has had chronic breathing problems and needed something stronger than an MDI should be familiar with a compressor. They can put out 8 to 11 liters per minute and are used as mouth pieces much like the MDI is. There are larger ones available but in most cases are not necessary.

Nebulizers

Nebulizers are also available and typically those who suffer chronic respiratory ailments like asthma will have one of their own. They are used to deliver medication regularly and with a larger concentration of whatever drug is prescribed. Ultimately, getting oxygen in your system and flowing is your end goal and a nebulizer will be a straight to the point approach that delivers medicine deep into your respiratory system with each inhalation. Nebulizers can be used with the other equipment as well and offers great results.

Oxygen Therapy Devices

Patients that have access to near-continuous oxygen have shown a substantial improvement in their neuro-psychological function. Oxygen therapy devices are available in both stationary, for in-home use and portable options, for use outside of the home.

With today's latest innovative technology, respiratory equipment is advancing and becoming easier for patients to use as well as more convenient to access. The most important thing to keep in mind is that it's crucial that the patient and/or family members to be shown how to properly use any respiratory equipment to ensure that the patient gets the most out of their medication and improves their condition. Peace of mind is very important when it comes to those who suffer from respiratory problems so it's important to be prepared.

Learn How You Can Control Your Asthma Effectively

If you suffer from asthma but want to live a full life, there are certain fundamental truths about the condition that you should learn more about. With the proper education and application of knowledge, you can deal with your condition effectively and efficiently. The following paragraphs of this article detail five such fundamentals.

You know that you should stop smoking or hopefully not start or start back up. But do you know why? Of course you are already aware that smoking causes cancer over time, but do you know what specific impact it has on an asthma sufferer? The effects are two-fold in nature. Most immediately, when you smoke, you are drawing in air that is full of smoke and not oxygen. An asthma attack is your body having difficulty getting oxygen, so deliberately skipping out on oxygen is only begging for an attack. In the longer term, smoking introduces thousands of chemical compounds and tar into your respiratory system, gunking things up and making it harder for you to breathe. This raises your chances of future attacks quite significantly. Quit now, not to avoid cancer, but just so you can keep breathing.

Medication is essential when you have asthma. Most every sufferer is prescribed an emergency inhaler with a compound within it. This compound relaxes tension within constricted air passages inside your body during an asthma attack. It is good to get in the habit of making sure you always carry your inhaler with you, but it is great to read the service schedule and maintenance directions. In as much as you would hate to forget to keep your spare tire inflated and find it flat when you need it on a dark night, you do not want to reach for your inhaler during an attack and discover it is not working.

As much as you should have your inhaler checked routinely for function, you also need to have your inhaler technique also checked for form. It is a good idea to just do this every time you see one of your doctors or medical team. People sometimes learn good posture as children but slouch later in life, and you can get equally casual in your inhaler use. Make sure your doctor is checking you out often so you stay on your toes about doing this right.

Something else your doctor may introduce you to in addition to your inhaler is a peak flow meter. You use this device to measure the air flow in and out of your lungs. Once programmed or set with your personal maximum rate, it can give you sudden readings measured in green, yellow and red. Green means you are largely okay, but yellow means you need to take your emergency medicine and red means both medicine and summoning medical help.

There is a long list of known asthma triggers. Not all of them will always apply to you, but you need to probably memorize the list. Absolutely avoid the situations that you know trigger your attacks, and be careful around known triggers that afflict others, as they could hit you too one day. Mindful attention and lifestyle changes can go a long way to preventing asthma attacks.

As was mentioned in the introduction, just being informed and educated on ways you can manage your asthma goes a long way towards keeping an active and happy life. Make sure that you keep all these ideas in mind, and you can be on your way to living a content life, even with asthma.

Effective Ways To Treat Your Asthma

Asthma is a permanent, lifelong condition that many people have to live with. Unfortunate as it is, it is chronic and currently has no cure. People who suffer from asthma have many reasons as to why they suffer from it. Still, there are a myriad of treatment options available to keep it at bay. This article will discuss some of the common treatment methods.

Patients who suffer from asthma should avoid contact with animals. Animals which have a lot of fur can trigger the inflammation of airways in asthma patients, making their symptoms much worse. Common animals that asthma patients should seek to avoid are: dogs, cats, gerbils, hamsters, rabbits and mice. Not only does pet dander serve as a common asthma trigger, but so do other things that are produced by animals. If you have any pets, find a safe home for them as they can worsen your asthma symptoms over time.

Make sure that you keep the levels of humidity in your home low. Humidity in your home enables the growth of mold. Mold spores will contaminate your air and trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse. If you live in an area that's high in humidity, consider purchasing a dehumidifier to keep the humidity levels lower in your home.

Wash all of your bedding and linens at least once a week. Dust mites are microscopic creatures that are invisible to the naked eye but live in common household items such as bedding, sheets, pillows and stuffed toys. These mites survive on shed human skin particles and thrive in humid conditions. While these dust mites are harmless to most people, people who suffer from asthma may find this as a common trigger. This means you should make sure you wash all of these items at least once a week as stated and avoid displaying too many cloth items in your room.

People who suffer from asthma don't have to avoid exercise altogether, but it is advisable that they take it easy. Asthma sufferers can participate in sports that require short periods of exertion such as volleyball, wrestling, gymnastics and baseball. It is still important to keep in mind that not everyone can participate in exercising if they have severe asthma. Consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise regimen. If you have a cold, suffer from outdoor allergies or the weather is cool, make sure that you do any and all warm-up exercises indoors.

It isn't too common for people to have an asthma attack as a result of food allergies, although it can still occur. While the average person suffers from hives, rash or sickness when they ingest foods they are allergic to, people who have asthma can trigger attacks and sometimes anaphylaxis. The most common asthma triggers can be found in the following foods: eggs, milks, soy, wheat, peanuts, fish, shrimp, salad and fruits. Asthma attacks can also be triggered from foods that contain preservatives such as sodium and potassium metabisulfite. If you know for a fact you have asthma and are allergic to any of the items mentioned, avoid these triggers. If you find that you cannot avoid them at all costs, consider getting allergy shots.

Avoid These Things To Prevent Your Asthma Symptoms

Asthma attacks are scary episodes. When they happen to you or a loved one, it is natural to panic and lose control of the situation. While maintaining your calm during an attack is important, perhaps the most important thing you should understand is the things that can trigger an attack. Knowing them can help you to prevent a problem before it turns into an out of control situation.

1. Tobacco smoke

If you are someone who suffers from asthma attacks, you should avoid smoking at all costs. Smoking can constrict your airways and bring about an attack due to the tar and nicotine you are inhaling. If you are a smoker who is not able to quit on your own, seek medical assistance. In addition to quitting smoking, it is also beneficial to stay away from second hand smoke, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.

2. Pollution

Air pollution is a serious problem for those who suffer from asthma. When the air quality is poor, the result can be a devastating attack that quickly spins out of control. While it is not possible to avoid all air pollution, there are some things you can do. Stay indoors during periods of peak heat and humidity. When possible, avoid pollution from exhausts, such as that you are exposed to sitting in traffic during peak rush hour. If attacks are very severe due to this trigger, it is beneficial to consider moving to a less populated, more rural area if at all possible.

3. Strenuous Exercise

Those who suffer from allergies benefit from regular exercise. It helps to open airways and increases the circulation of oxygen within the body. That being said, sometimes excessive exercise can be dangerous, and it might even bring about an asthma attack. Avoid exercising in excessively hot conditions or prolonging difficult and strenuous exercise programs. If you are having difficulty breathing, don't try to push yourself. Instead, take a break and get some water. You can always return to your exercise once your body has had an opportunity to rest for a bit.

4. Strong Chemicals

Chemicals can omit gases that are dangerous to the respiratory system and prompt an asthma attack. Fortunately, avoiding such chemicals in your home is relatively simple. Consider purchasing natural cleaning products or using homemade products such as vinegar and baking soda based cleansers. If you must use a chemical such as bleach or ammonia, make sure to do so only in a well ventilated area. Open all windows, turn on fans and consider wearing a mask to protect yourself from breathing in any toxic gases. Finally, never mix chemicals in combination with each other; many can be very dangerous.

An asthma attack is serious, and controlling attacks is beneficial to anyone who suffers from this illness. While it is not always possible to control every environmental trigger, there are some simple steps you can take to lessen the frequency of attacks and improve your quality of life. Follow the steps outlined here and be sure to discuss any concerns related to attacks with your family physician.

Home Remedies For Asthma

Home remedies for asthma are probably not used as much as they should be.

Asthma is a condition that makes breathing difficult. It's caused when airways narrow, swell and produce extra mucus. It's hard to breathe and it triggers coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Home remedies for asthma should be discovered and used diligently.

Asthma is a chronic condition that affects 20 million Americans, and includes almost 1 in 10 children.

During an asthma attack, the airways in the lung's (bronchioles) become inflamed. When this happens, they contract and become lined with excessive amounts of mucous. This then restricts the airflow, making it very difficult to breathe. There are several home remedies for asthma that can be implemented to help relieve this mucous buildup.

For some people, asthma is not a major problem, but for others, it's a very serious and scary issue that interferes with daily living and could lead to a life threatening asthma attack.

Most doctors believe that asthma can't be cured, but its symptoms can be controlled. I believe home remedies for asthma are the best answer in strengthening not only your lungs, but also your total immune system.

These attacks are triggered by pollution or some environmental irritant like change in air temperature or humidity, stress, allergies, cigarette smoke, cleaning agents, or other toxins.

Your bodies first line of defense is your immune system. Specialized cells and organs help your body recognize and respond to foreign invaders. Your immune system even has its own circulatory system, called the lymphatic system, to help "filter" out these attackers.

If your immune system can't do its job, the problems that follow can be serious. A weakened immune system is evidenced by allergies and asthma.

When an immune system gets so weakened, that the normal germs, bacteria, viruses, etc. that we're all exposed to can tear our health down, we are at serious risk.

Chronic asthma can be a frightening condition which often requires vigilance to prevent and minimize the occurrence of acute attacks. The standard conventional Western medicine usually only treats symptoms. I always prefer homeopathic or naturalistic treatment.

While many asthma attacks are relatively mild and can be treated at home, some can be quite severe and may even require hospitalization.

A doctor can do a physical examination and non-invasive lung functioning test to determine if you or your child has asthma.

Your physician may also examine the skin and ask if there is a history of hives, eczema or skin-related allergies, since there is a common link between skin reactions and chronic asthma. If a diagnosis is confirmed, it is important to discuss different treatment options with your doctor and explore home remedies for asthma, rather than just accepting the doctors prescribed drugs.

Remember, there are always side effects with pharmaceuticals.

It is so critical to have strong and healthy immune system. Strengthening the immune system should negate the need for taking antibiotics and help avoid unnecessary medications.

Natural remedies have been used for thousands of years to help promote a healthy immune system, so that the body works at its best ability to ward off disease and infection.

Herbs like Echinacea purpurea, Astragalus membranaceous, Inula helenium, and Withania somnifera are known to be effective for their antiviral, anti fungal and antibacterial properties, as well as their excellent ability to strengthen the immune system.

These herbs work as a tonic for the immune system and are recommended to help prevent and aid recovery from illness or infection.

Home Remedies For Asthma Foods

Magnesium has been shown to improve asthma sufferers' ability to breathe. Foods containing magnesium include whole grains, green leafy vegetables, almonds, cashews, peanuts, beet greens, spinach, wheat bran, Brazil nuts, soybean flour, pumpkin and squash seeds, bran cereals, bananas, chocolate and agar seaweed.

Spices containing magnesium include basil, celery seed, sage, coriander, cumin seed, tarragon and marjoram.

Asthma sufferers tend to have low levels of selenium in their bodies. Selenium combines with proteins in the body to form selenoproteins, or antioxidant enzymes, that play a huge role in the immune system.

Fresh vitamin C rich fruits given to children with asthma was shown to be effective in reducing asthmatic wheezing.

Part of a healthy diet should include, fruits rich in vitamin C, including papayas, strawberries, cantaloupe, grapefruit, tangerines, mangoes and guavas.

Broccoli, cabbage greens, bell peppers, potatoes with skin and raw spinach are also some vegetables that contain high amounts of vitamin C.

Apples, parsley, onions, tea, red wine, dark berries, cherries, citrus fruits, and olive oil contain quercetin, an antioxidant and flavonoid.

Quercetin is anti-inflammatory and acts as an antihistamine in the body, inhibiting cells from releasing histamines. There is no scientific evidence as yet that quercetin can help reduce symptoms of asthma, but it's being studied as a treatment for asthma.

Asthma - An Ayurvedic Approach

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease. In Ayurveda, asthma is known as Swasa Roga. Once you get asthma it may take a long time before you get rid of it. In some extreme cases, asthma even lasts for the life time. Interestingly, asthma is the most common disease among children. There is not a single universally agreeable definition exits for asthma because asthma is a condition in which a number of mutually related symptoms co-exists. In general, inflammation and constriction of the airways result in difficult breathing and increased sensitivity towards any substance that may inhale are the common characteristics of asthma.

However, Ayurvedic system of medicine makes clear distinction about different types of Asthma. Ayurveda is of the opinion that when the three humors - the vata, pitta, and kapha - of the body are in balance then the body is healthy. Any deviation for such a balance may lead to diseases. Based on the predominance of these humors, Ayurveda defines three types of asthma.

1. Vata Type

In cases of vata type asthma, dry cough and wheezing are the main symptoms. Asthma attacks occur during the early morning and early evening. Other symptoms include thirst, dry cough and skin, and constipation. Psychologically, the patient may show symptoms of anxiety and ask for warm drinks.

2. Pitta Type

Dry cough, breathing with a whizzling or rattling sound, and yellow phlegm are the common symptoms of pitta type asthma. Asthma attacks occur usually at night and at noon. Some patients develop fevers and sweating. Psychological symptoms include irritability and the need for cool air.

3. Kapha Type

Breathing with whizzling sound and coughs with white and abundant phlegm are the symptoms of kapha type asthma. Most of the attacks occur at the morning and evening.

According to Bhagavan Dash who wrote 'Handbook of Ayurveda' there exist five types of Asthma. According to him, asthma originates in the lungs, passes through the channels of rasas, and then ultimately reaches the lungs.

1. Maha Swasa (Great Asthma)

In cases of Great Asthma, the patient experiences pain and discomfort while breathing. He would not feel satisfied with deep breathing however hard he may try. Chances are that the patient may lose consciousness at times. Movement of eyes could be noted from side to side. The patient would not be able to close the mouth and would not be able to speak. There exists obstructions in the passage of urine and stool. This is a dangerous condition.

2. Urdhava Swasa

In this condition, the patient would be able to exhale perfectly; however, he would not be able to inhale effectively. This results in reduced supply of oxygen to various body parts including vital organs such as brain and heart. At times, the patient may experience increased pain in the chest. Headaches are also associated with Urdhava swasa.

3. Chinna Swasa

One of the remarkable symptoms of the chinna swasa is the excruciating pain in the chest. The respiration is broken that at times suddenly stops. Abdominal distention results due to accumulation of the gas.

4. Tamaka Swasa or Allergic Asthma

The route of movement of vata within the body is usually downwards. However, in cases of allergic asthma, it takes up the opposite route and makes the head and neck stiff. Kapha also get aggravated and results in runny nose and clouded face. As a result, obstruction of the airways occur and breathing with whizzing sound results. Sometimes the patient gets excruciating pain in the chest and head. Dry cough with minimal phlegm is another sign of allergic asthma. The patient may develop sore throat which then prevents him from sleeping. The patient may have a desire for hot drinks and cold conditions may aggravate his condition. If pitta imbalance is involved in allergic asthma, burning sensation, fainting, and indigestion may result.

5. Ksudra Swasa

It's easily cured and results from suppression of natural urges and unctuous food.

In ayurvedic tradition, practitioners less blame the causative agents like pollens, dust, etc. Ayurveda work hard to bring the balance back to the body so that the pollens, dust, etc. that may cause asthma once in you have no effect on your body. Once the system is back to normal balance you would be able to live a life just like any other. Once the balance is back, you would be able to go out and smell the earth and flowers and feel the drizzling of rain water. Note that not everyone gets asthma from pollens, dust, etc. So it is not essentially the pollens that cause asthma but your body imbalances are the culprit.

How to Find Effective Asthma Help

Those who suffer from asthma will recognize that the condition can throw a wrench into most plans. Because the attacks themselves can often arise seemingly out of nowhere, individuals may want to consider some possible home remedies beyond their inhalers and their prescriptive medications. Though they should always consult with a physician before trying an alternative treatment plan, they will likely find that some home treatment plans can yield surprisingly positive results. As an aside, some people may want to keep notes on which things work and which do not.

Tea has a wide array of wonderful properties, and many individuals who take in the beverage on a regular basis swear by its benefits. In addition to providing the body with a healthful way to gets its daily caffeine fix, tea can also help open up pulmonary passageways, which is obviously key for anyone who has long been struggling with asthma. Most varieties of the drink will provide benefits, so choosing between green or black tea need not be a difficult decision. In addition to helping with asthma, the beverage, according to some researchers, may even be able to reverse some cases of moderate coronary disease. Because tea is also relatively cheap, trying it out should be rather easy.

Though most asthmatics may have a certain fear of exercise, there are some activities that can be ideal for men and women with the condition. Because some people can be quite sensitive to dry air, swimming may be the best possible exercise for these individuals. Most indoor swimming areas feature rather moist, warm-air environments, and this can help the lungs remain on track as the pool laps are completed. People with severe cases of asthma should always take their inhalers with them, however, especially if their chosen physical activity is rather rigorous.

Men and women should also seriously consider the benefits of a good sauna or steam room. These structures are built to help the body breathe, and asthma sufferers will find that they can take in air more easily after a session or two in one of these rooms. If people currently have a bit of a head cold, they might also clear the sinuses in this manner.

For asthma help, individuals should always be in close touch with their personal doctor. If an emergency arises, they may need treatment advice from this physician right away. For long-term management techniques, most sufferers will simply need to see what works for them and what does not. By combining a variety of home remedies with effective prescriptive medication, adults and children alike should be able to conquer their condition.

No Need To Suffer With Asthma, Here Are Some Excellent Solutions

Are you stressed about asthma and how it's ruining your life? Many people have the need for some common sense tips about this illness. Lots of people want more information regarding asthma but aren't familiar with the places to find this info. The information and knowledge you are going to learn in the following paragraphs regarding asthma might just catch you off guard.

Asthma can be caused by genetics, environmental factors, or a little bit of both. This is why it's important to recognize the signs of asthma if your family has a history of the condition. Environmental factors such as pollution, smoke, mold spores and excess dust can cause asthma, so make sure to keep yourself and little ones away from these hazards.

Visit at least two different doctors. Your primary care doctor should be the first person you go to, but think about seeing a few specialists. The allergists, pulmonologists and nutritionists in asthma centers can help you take full advantage of all treatments available.

Make sure you keep calm if you are having an asthma attack. You should use your inhaler immediately upon the first signs of an attack. Once you have used it, use it again 30 seconds later. If this does not help and your attack gets worse, you need to get immediate medical assistance. Have someone call an ambulance for you, or have them bring you to a hospital. To calm yourself on the drive, bring a paper bag and breathe into it, as this will slow your breathing.

Asthma is not a curable disease and will require life-long health management. You need to always take your medications for your everyday symptoms, and keep your quick relief medication with you in case you do have an attack. Talk to your doctor and allergist to see what is the best idea for you.

Keep the air fresh and clear when cooking by opening windows to air out smoke, and to prevent aggravating asthma symptoms. This kind of smoke can trigger asthma symptoms, and make it harder for you to breathe. If your house is still smokey with the windows open, step outside.

If you have asthma, it is imperative that you stay away from smokers. Tobacco smoke causes your lung function to decrease, increasing the risk of a very severe attack, especially in enclosed rooms without much air flow or ventilation.

The cleaner your home is, the less asthma attacks you're likely to have there. You also need to make the air in your home as dry as possible. Using a dehumidifier will control moisture levels in your house. The number of seasonal asthma attacks that you suffer will drop if you can keep the humidity at a consistent level.

If you have asthma, you should get a flu shot once per year. Make sure your child's vaccinations are up-to-date to avoid as many infections as possible.

Both Vitamin C and Vitamin E are important if you suffer from asthma. These vitamins are thought to help improve lung function and control asthma symptoms. You can gain vitamins from supplements or the old fashioned way, from food! These vitamins will also help prevent illnesses by boosting your body's immune system.

It is important to visit with your doctor often, every two months or so, in order to stay on top of your asthma. This will give your doctor a chance to assess your current asthma condition, and make any needed adjustments to your medication. It is up to you to schedule these visits with the doctor so he or she can monitor your progress, and work to keep you healthy.

When you have asthma, it is especially important to warm up before exercising and to cool down when you are finished. Doing both of these things will help prevent you from having a serious asthma attack during your exercise or after it.

Make certain that all members of your family get their annual flu shot. Try to avoid getting any respiratory infections if you have asthma. This means you should also be sure to wash your hands frequently and get vaccinated.

Asthma is an uncurable disease, but that doesn't mean that the symptoms are permanent and can't go away. However, just like most things in life, overcoming your asthma symptoms takes time and effort. If you follow these easy tips, you'll find that your symptoms will get better over time and you'll be able to enjoy a healthier, more active lifestyle.

Different Types of Asthma Inhaler Devices

If you are a sufferer of asthma, you will appreciate how it feels to have tightness in the chest or to grasp for air. With the help of the right asthma medication it is possible to prevent these symptoms, which is available in either long-term or quick-relief controlled medications. Most of the medications that come in inhaled form are meant to be used on a daily basis to assist in keeping the airways clear and healthy at all times. Even if no symptoms exist it is still recommended to take a daily dose of medication. Due to the nature of the inhaled medication, it is directed straight to the area it is most needed, the bronchial tubes, which is what is needed to open the airways. Also, a further benefit to the asthma suffer is that a standard asthma inhaler comes with less side-effects than alternative medication take by injection or by mouth.

Let's look at the three most common inhalation devices for the asthma sufferer -

Metered-dose Inhaler (MDI) - the most commonly used of the three basic types of asthma inhalation devices is the metered-dose inhaler which relies on a chemical propellant to drive a short-burst of medication out of the inhaler, which is then inhaled by the patient.

Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI) - these inhalers draw-in a dose of medication by using the patients own breath, which needs to be a strong and fast inhalation. A downside to this type of inhaler is the cost, often more expensive than the MDIs and can also these devices are always practical if a patients lung function is compromised, for instance if suffering an asthma attack, a patient might find it difficult to generate sufficient airflow to inhale the medication.

Nebulizer - a nebulizer is a breathing machine used to administer a fine liquid mist into a patient's lungs. A patient uses a facemask or mouthpiece to help deliver the medication which is drawn into the lungs using oxygen or air under pressure. Nebulizer's in battery or electric form are the most expensive of the three inhalation devices and come in several different sizes and shapes.

Irrespective of which device is used, it is important to use the inhaler in the correct manner to ensure the ideal dosage of medication reaches the lungs. Improper usage can have the result of a less medication getting into the lungs than required. For all medical devices it is vital to educate yourself with the right usage techniques, which can be learnt by reading the instructions that come with the inhaler or discussing the mater with your doctor.