Asthma Inhaler Basics
Asthmatics like me occasionally, if not frequently, suffer from episodes of wheezing and shortness of breath. One of the first things we reach for is the asthma inhaler, a pocket-sized device used as relief medication. It is a vital tool in an asthmatic’s struggle against his/her illness, so much so that I once referred to it as “a certified object of idolatry for asthmatics”.
According to a CNN/Mayo Clinic article, a variety of inhalers exist, with two major categories: metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers. Most asthma inhalers are MDIs and fast-acting bronchodilators, defined as “medication intended to improve bronchial airflow” [3]. In MDIs, the medication is stored within a pressurized canister.
According to Wikipedia:
The canister is attached to a plastic, hand-operated pump. The standard Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) on activating releases a fixed dose of medicine in aerosol form.
This medicine is drawn into the body (via the lungs) with the proper inhalation of the user.
Sources:
- 1. Wikipedia article on Asthma
- 2. Wikipedia article on Inhaler
- 3. Wikipedia article on Bronchodilator
- 4. CNN.com (Mayo Clinic special)
Explore posts in the same categories: Asthma Inhalers
This entry was posted on Sunday, May 14th, 2006 at 5:21 pm and is filed under Asthma Inhalers. You can subscribe via RSS 2.0 feed to this post's comments. You can comment below, or link to this permanent URL from your own site.
May 18th, 2006 at 7:06 pm
[...] As we mentioned in our first inhaler article, there are two kinds of asthma inhalers. The first category is the metered-dose inhaler, called MDI for short. MDIs are one of the most common devices used to relieve asthma. According to a WebMD article: A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a handheld device that delivers a measured dose of medication directly to the lungs. The medication is usually in an aerosol form. [...]
November 7th, 2006 at 10:03 pm
[...] Usually, asthma inhalers come in MDI form, but more and more people are using DPIs. [...]