There are many different types of inhalers, and as an asthmatic, I
can bet that if you are one, you use one too. It is also possible
that you have been given more than one by
your doctor. I can also bet that you keep the inhaler with you at all
times. After all, this is the most important tool used to control
(most of the time) an asthma attack.
Nowadays, the market is saturated with so many different types of
rescue inhalers that we have to be more careful as to which one we have been
prescribed. I have used them all! The most efficient one is the one I
still use on a very seldom basis and which I will talk about a
little later.
When I started with my asthma, I stopped taking breathing for
granted. I discovered that at times, this particular function had become
impossible for me. Besides being scared to die of suffocation,
I started just accepting whatever the Doctors (believe me when I say I
have had more than ten doctors) gave me. I didn't care what it was; I
just wanted something that would help me breathe.
I was given
Ventolin. Ventolin is an albuterol inhaler. And there
are other inhalers such as Airet, Proventil, and Proventil HFA that
fall in the category of albuterol inhaler. But I didn't have
information of any side effects or warnings for the inhalers. I
started noticing changes such as jitters, insomnia and became very
jumpy to name only a few. So I did
some research. Here is a small part of what I have found.
Your doctor needs to be aware of any heart disease or high blood
pressure, epilepsy or other types of seizures, diabetes, overactive
thyroid, kidney problems or liver trouble. These inhalers can
contribute to any of these problems.
By now, I had discovered that any of the physical problems I have
mentioned before are common to any drugs we are prescribed for asthma,
even though some of them have been caused by the use of asthma drugs.
Some of the side effects of these inhalers are allergic reactions
such as difficulty breathing, your throat may close, and your lips,
face and tongue can become swollen. You may also suffer chest pain or
irregular heartbeat. If this happens to you, please go to the hospital
immediately.
Another set of side effects include headaches, dizziness,
lightheadedness, insomnia, tremor and nervousness, sweating, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea and dry mouth. If you suffer from one of these side
effects, talk to your physician immediately. He may recommend
something else that will not affect you this much.
Remember I was talking earlier about the new inhaler I use now
sporadically? I use Maxair. Maxair is a pirbuterol inhaler, which is a
bronchodilator. Another type of Maxair is Maxair Autohaler. As of
today, this is the inhaler that has worked the best for me. And thanks
to the program I am on, I very seldom use it. Nevertheless, as any
other drugs, this one has side effects. The same warnings about heart
disease, etc. that applies to the other inhalers apply to this one. Do
not use it if you suffer from any of those symptoms.
The side effects, deadly and mild, that apply to the other inhalers
apply to this one. Please seek immediate attention if you suffer from
any of those symptoms.
Another very important factor is that you need to know what are the
drugs these inhalers will interact with. Therefore, it is a must for
your doctor to be aware of any medication you are taking.
You need to do your own research and determine if you feel
comfortable with the drugs you have been prescribed by your doctor.
Remember that the more you know, the more control you have over your
health and your life.
