Inhalers such as Ventolin evohaler are the primary treatment for wheezing in most patients. However, several alternative treatments may also be helpful when an inhaler is not available or if the patient has had a poor response to the medication. For mild cases, over-the-counter antihistamines can be helpful. However, for more severe cases, other methods of treatment include-
- Nebulized albuterol for infants under six months.
- Oral theophylline for children over 6 months of age.
- Cromolyn sodium is helpful in older children.
- Epinephrine can help very young children. However, it cannot be used long-term.
- Cromolyn sodium is another alternative that can be given via aerosol or orally for older children and adults. It may also help with food allergies.
- For people who have problems with their inhalers, a vest type of delivery system may help deliver the medication to the lungs.
In extreme cases, doctors prescribe steroid therapy for patients with chronic asthma and those who do not respond well to other treatments. Steroids can reduce inflammation and thus decrease wheezing. However, they can have side effects such as weight gain, cataracts, and osteoporosis. In very severe cases, a patient may need to be hospitalized for steroid treatment.
It is significant to make sure that asthma is well-controlled to reduce the chance of wheezing episodes. Patients should keep a written list containing their doctor’s phone number and the phone number for an emergency clinic.
Does steam inhalation help reduce wheezing?
Steam inhalation is often used as a natural remedy to help ease symptoms of respiratory conditions such as the common cold, the flu, and sinusitis. The steam helps thin and drain mucus from the nose and airways. Moreover, it can provide temporary relief from nasal congestion, stuffiness, and sneezing.
What does an inhaler do?
Inhalers are one of the most common and useful tools for people with asthma. They provide fast relief from asthma symptoms by delivering medication directly to the lungs, where it can quickly reach cells and relieve an acute asthma attack. Moreover, inhalers reduce inflammation of the airways, making breathing easier.
How long does a rescue inhaler take to work?
The effect of asthma rescue puffers such as a Ventolin evohaler varies from person to person. Generally, a rescue spray starts working in 10 minutes or less.
You need to take asthma medications regularly every day until your doctor recommends otherwise. Some people with mild disease can manage their symptoms by taking medication only when symptoms occur. However, symptoms that do not respond to treatment may be a sign of uncontrolled infection and should be managed with a combination of treatments, including daily medications.
Inhalers are the major way to deliver asthma medications to children. Inhaled medications reach the lungs and relieve an asthma attack, making them very useful for children with frequent episodes of breathlessness and wheezing. If your child is over 5, they may use a spacer device in conjunction with their inhaled medication (usually given in a puff of two) which makes it easier to deliver more medication to the lungs.
Many children learn to use their inhalers incorrectly and only find out when they go for a medical check-up. Sometimes, there is a specific reason, such as the size of the respirator device. However, it can often be as simple as not using their inhaler properly for many months or years. If your child’s asthma medication comes in a spray device, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a demonstration on how to use the device, and request an evaluation if you or your child have any doubts.
What are the types of asthma inhalers?
Asthma inhalers are usually classified by the way they deliver medication. The most common types are metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) such as Ventolin evohaler, dry powder inhalers, and nebulizers. MDIs use a chemical to produce a fine mist of medication, which is inhaled into the lungs. Dry powder inhalers send medication directly into the airways. However, nebulizers use air to breathe medication into the lungs.
Some asthma medications are also available in an oral form, taken as a pill. Although these drugs reduce asthma symptoms as inhaled forms do, they must be taken every day to maintain their effects. However, they can result in allergies with prolonged use.
What is the most prescribed asthma inhaler?
The most commonly prescribed inhaled asthma medicine is albuterol. Other common medications include salmeterol (brand name Serevent), fluticasone (Flovent), and budesonide (Pulmicort Turbuhaler). These are considered “preferred” because they are relatively long acting, which means they reduce the need for as many doses throughout the day.
Along with Ventolin evohaler, medications are also prescribed to asthma patients. The most commonly prescribed oral asthma medicine is corticosteroids, also known as steroids or prednisone. Other common types are listed below-
- Budesonide (Pulmicort)
- Ciclesonide (Alvesco)
- Flunisolide (Aerobid)
- Fluticasone (Flovent)
- Mometasone (Asmanex)
- Triamcinolone (Azmacort)
Who can use the rescue inhalers?
Rescue puffers can treat asthma attacks. They can be used by anyone with asthma, including children from the age of 4 years old and adults.
The most common type of rescue inhaler is a bronchodilator. It helps open up the airways in the lungs and makes it easier to breathe. Ventolin evohaler (bronchodilators) are known as beta2 agonists or short-acting relievers.
A combination spray contains both a long-acting medicine (a corticosteroid) and a fast-acting reliever (short-acting bronchodilator).
Different types of rescue inhalers are available to buy from pharmacies, supermarkets, or on prescription. Some are spacer devices which means they come with a chamber attached to the mouthpiece, where you can put in your regular asthma medicine. They make it easier to use both medicines at the same time.
Moreover, some brands contain a microcrystalline suspension that works as a puffer delivering medication deep into the lungs.
Who shouldn’t use asthma inhalers?
Asthma inhalers are supposed to be used by people who have asthma. However, some people who do not have asthma may decide to use a respirator on their own. These people may believe that they need the Ventolin evohaler if they feel wheezing or tightness in the chest after exercising, even though they do not have asthma. The truth is that many people who are exposed to triggers that may cause asthma symptoms (e.g., exercise, allergies, and viral illness) do not develop true asthma.
Doctors advise some people with a severe respiratory infection to use an inhaler before certain activities, such as exercise or working in dusty environments. Strong evidence shows that using a short-acting inhaler can reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve lung function.
Many people do not know they have asthma. Therefore, you should use your spray only if your doctor has diagnosed you with asthma. It is significant to make sure the inhaler is prescribed for you and you know how to use the tool.
If your doctor has prescribed an asthma inhaler, it is not okay to just take someone else’s prescription or buy a different puffer from a store without talking with your doctor first. Doing this could be dangerous for your health. The wrong medication or the wrong dose of a medication or Ventolin evohaler could cause a serious reaction.
Is asthma puffer safe during pregnancy?
There are no studies of the effect of combination treatment with salbutamol and caffeine. However, there is evidence that the use of salbutamol during pregnancy increases the risk of low birth weight by 30%. This means pregnant women who use inhalers are likely to deliver low-birth weighed babies.
Is it safe for a breastfeeding mother to use inhalers?
The effects in the breastfed infant are unknown. Therefore, you should always consult your doctor for the use of inhalers during breastfeeding.
Salbutamol passes into breast milk in small amounts. However, significant effects are unlikely due to its low systemic bioavailability. The use of salbutamol during breastfeeding should be avoided if possible, especially when using higher doses. Patients with marked symptoms or recent asthma attacks should be advised not to breastfeed.
Salbutamol can be safe during breastfeeding. Therefore, a breastfeeding mother can use it if the benefits outweigh any potential risks to the infant.
What are the side effects of Ventolin evohaler?
The respirator contains salbutamol, which is a type of medicine called a beta2-agonist. Beta2-agonists can cause side effects such as tremors (shaking), increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure. These aftermaths are most likely to occur after the first dosage or when your dose is increased.
Other side effects include headache, a dry or a sore throat, and nose bleeds (epistaxis). If you experience any of these or other symptoms and think they may be due to the medicine you are taking, your doctor must know about them. If any side effect gets serious, or you notice any side effects not listed here, please tell your doctor or pharmacist.
What are the serious side effects of Ventolin evohaler?
Serious side effects of asthma inhaler may include-
- An allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or face, and hives
- A fast heart rate
- Tremor
- Worsening of existing lung problems such as severe asthma, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- A drop in your blood potassium level
- Symptoms such as feelings of weakness, drowsiness, or light-headedness
- Very high blood pressure (symptoms may include headache, blurred vision, or sweating)
- Mental health problems, such as anxiety, restlessness, sleep disorders (for example sleeping too much), hallucinations, and depression
If you experience these signs and symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately. He or she may alter your dosage or suggest an alternative. In the meanwhile, your doctor will work on managing your condition.
What are the do’s and don’t’s of using Ventolin evohaler?
There are some steps to be followed and some things to avoid while you are undergoing asthma treatment and using an inhaler. Your doctor may have told you about the same However, some of the do’s and don’t’s are as follows-
Do’s-
- Ask your doctor about using a spacer if you find it difficult to use the standard asthma inhaler. The Evohaler does not come with a spacer. If you find it difficult to inhale properly after taking a puff from the standard canister, ask your doctor for advice on whether you should purchase an Aerochamber, Volumatic, or Optichamber spacer. It is significant to use a spacer with albuterol. This puffer allows the medication to be deposited in your lungs instead of being swallowed into your stomach.
- Shake your Ventolin evohaler well before taking each puff. This is due to the powder form of the medicine settling after transport and storage.
- Clean the spray regularly, especially if you have been ill with a cold or chest infection. This will ensure that your respirator is working well and does not block up. Clear the spacer by removing the canister and wiping both ends with a dry cloth or tissue. However, remember not to wash, as this will damage it! The small grey rubber end of the spacer can also be removed and wiped.
- Take your dose as early in the day as possible because at night your breathing becomes slower and less effective. Moreover, please read the instructions on how to use inhalers properly.
Following are the don’t’s-
- Don’t expose your spray to temperatures above 25°C for any length of time. This will damage the medicine.
- Shake your inhaler just after use, as the powder is very fine and could be released into the air or lost down the sink. Only shake before first use.
- You should not use your respirator if it has been frozen, even if it has been thawed.
- Never stop taking your medicine unless told to do so by a doctor.
For further information on Ventolin Evohaler, please read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully, or ask for medical advice. Keep the puffer out of children. Always use this product exactly as described by your doctor or pharmacist. Moreover, stay in touch with your healthcare provider all the time. Share the treatment response with your doctor and inform him or her if you experience severe side effects.
