Inhaler Technique Critical to Asthma Treatment Success

In the opinion of TheOnlineAllergist, most asthma hospitalizations and asthma deaths are preventable. And, the greatest cause of asthma attacks and asthma treatment failures is the non-use or improper use of asthma inhaler medications.

Most asthma medications are now delivered through an inhaler. This method of delivery is far preferable to taking medication orally for two reasons. Firstly, when inhaled, the medication is deposited directly on the area of inflammation in the bronchial tubes and, secondly, systemic side effects of inhaled medication can generally be minimized.

The problem is that many asthmatic individuals either do not take their medication as prescribed or they do not take their inhalers using the proper techniques. If an inhaler is not used properly, the medication will simply not be effective. Patients must be instructed by their physician, nurse, or pharmacist, and technique must be demonstrated time and time again to insure proper use. It is virtually impossible for children under around six years of age to use an inhaler properly.

Inhaled medications are most efficiently delivered through the use of a nebulizer in infants and toddlers. Young children are generally transitioned on to a spacer devise with a mask, although this device is less efficient than the nebulizer or inhaling directly from the inhaler. A spacer device can be effective at any age if the proper inhalation technique cannot be mastered. But, even spacers need to be used correctly.

TheOnlineAllergist.com has how-to videos demonstrating the proper techniques for using an inhaler, a spacer and a spacer with mask. They are essential viewing for anyone using inhaler asthma medications. In addition, TheOnlineAllergist.com can recommend nebulizers and spacer devices which can improve inhalation technique and also improve asthma treatment outcomes.