Inhalers are small medical devices that act as the primary form of treatment for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). While inhalers cannot cure asthma or COPD, they help patients manage these chronic conditions by reducing symptoms caused by inflammation and obstruction of the airways.
How do inhalers help treat asthma and COPD?
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition that narrows and irritates the airways of the lungs. Affecting nearly 24 million Americans, asthma is a very common, but non-contagious respiratory disease that usually begins in childhood and continues into adulthood. Asthma may vary in severity from person to person.
Common asthma symptoms include:
Chest tightness
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Wheezing
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is an umbrella term for several diseases that cause airflow blockage and difficulty with breathing. COPD is actually an umbrella term used to describe a family of diseases that cause lung problems and difficulty breathing. This includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
If left untreated, COPD can get worse over time. This can lead to the development of serious complications like heart problems, an increased risk for respiratory infections, and a higher risk of lung cancer.
Common COPD symptoms include:
Shortness of breath
Difficulty breathing
Coughing
Wheezing
What are the different types of inhalers?
The medication supplied by an inhaler works by relaxing the smooth muscles that surround the respiratory tract. This relaxation helps open up the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. Wider airways make it easier for air to flow back and forth from the lungs. This widening also makes it easier to clear mucus from the lungs. Overall, this dual action improves lung function and reduces symptoms of bronchospasm.
There are several varieties of inhalant options used for the treatment of asthma and COPD. These are broadly categorized into short-acting (quick-relief) and long-acting (control) medications.
Quick-relief inhalers are used as needed as asthma symptoms begin to occur. Short-acting beta agonists used for quick relief include albuterol (generic for Ventolin and Proair Respiclick) and levalbuterol (generic for Xopenex).
Long-acting inhalers control asthma by reducing inflammation and irritation in the airways. These drugs are administered every day—sometimes multiple times per day. Medication used in this category includes long-acting beta-agonists (LABA), inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and combination inhalers that use both. Salmeterol (generic for Serevent Diskus) is a long-acting beta-agonist. Mometasone furoate (Asmanex), beclomethasone (Qvar), fluticasone propionate (Flovent HFA) and ciclesonide (Alvesco) are all examples of inhaled corticosteroids.
Combination inhalers (ICS-LABA) use both long-acting beta-agonists and corticosteroids. Combination inhalers include budesonide/ formoterol (Breo Ellipta, Symbicort and Pulmicort), mometasone/ formoterol (Dulera) and fluticasone/ salmeterol (Advair).
Short-acting inhalers are generally cheaper than long-acting inhalers and ICS inhalers are generally cheaper than LABA inhalers. In most cases, patients will be prescribed both a quick-relief inhaler for emergency situations and a long-acting inhaler for overall maintenance.
Inhalers require a prescription. There are several over-the-counter asthma treatment options available for purchase without a prescription. However, these drugs are far less effective than prescription drugs and come with a significantly greater risk of serious adverse effects. While OTC options exist, you should receive prescription medication to properly treat asthma and COPD symptoms.
