Inhalers and Other Medication Delivery Systems
Most asthma medicines are inhaled directly into the breathing tubes using some type of inhaler device. There are different types of inhalers for asthma medicines. By inhaling the medicine into the breathing tubes, the medicine goes to the lungs and very little of it gets into the rest of the body, meaning the risks of side effects are very small.
To get the medicine to the lungs, an inhaler must be used correctly. Studies have shown that approximately half of all people with asthma do not use their inhalers correctly, which means that much of the medicine never reaches the lungs. For some types of inhalers, spacer devices or "spacers" can help deliver much more of the medicine into the lungs.
Information on use of devices:
- Asthma Device (Inhaler) Training
- Using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
- Taking Care of Your New HFA Asthma Inhaler
Instructional videos from your PAMF physicians:Information on inhalers from the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology
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Asthma Medication Quick References
The following links are recommended reference sites for common asthma medications:
Note: If rescue medications are needed more than twice a week, this may mean that your asthma is poorly controlled. Tell your doctor if you are using a rescue medication frequently.
The following links are recommended reference sites for common asthma medications:
Note: If rescue medications are needed more than twice a week, this may mean that your asthma is poorly controlled. Tell your doctor if you are using a rescue medication frequently.