For asthma sufferers, inhaler is their life support, so it is wise to opt for the best to use control your attacks. There are various types of inhalers present in the market that help one to control asthma, but each comes with its own merits and demerits. It is most times a problem to choose the best inhaler for a particular case.
Pressurised-metered dose inhalers came into existence a long time ago while the dry inhalers came after, and are also a favourite among chronic asthma patients. So if you are wondering whether to stick to your previous inhaler or switch to dry inhalers, we got a detailed description of both from Dr Ashok Mahashur, consultant chest physician, P D Hinduja Hospital.
According to Dr Ashok Mahashur, consultant chest physician, P D Hinduja Hospital, “the use of dry powder inhalers is increasing these days as they are easy to use. However, at the end it is the patient’s choice to stick to the one he is comfortable using”.
Differentiating Dry Powdered Inhalers From Pressurized-metered Inhalers
Dry powdered inhalers: This kind of inhaler doesn’t need to be pumped or pressed to get the medication since it has dry powder. There is a simple device that helps to inhale the dry powder in a single deep breath, so the issue taking the wrong dosage does not come into play.
Pressurized-metered inhalers: These inhalers are usually in the pressurized spray form and make use of the pump. So, to take one dose of the medication, you need to press. Most patients use the device inaccurately and fail to hold their breath after inhalation or fail to breathe in the dose properly. This kind of inhaler requires practice and co-ordination and it could pose a problem for the elderly and people suffering from muscular weakness.
In such case, a dry inhaler stands to be a preferred choice.
Pressurised-metered inhalers with spacer: These types of inhalers are used for kids. There is a spacer or a device between the mouthpiece and the inhaler. The dose is first released into the spacer and then inhaled slowly, so the dose reaches the lungs directly. This kind of inhaler works well for the elderly too. The spacer needs to be washed and cleaned regularly to avoid saliva being stuck on the walls.
Source:
http://www.healthdiary365.com/2018/02/20/dry-powder-inhaler-or-metered-dose-inhaler-which-is-the-best-to-control-asthma/