TREATMENT
ASTHMA DEVICES
Inhalers
Our busy lives demand that we have everything we need on hand. These “fit in your pocket” devices offer you on-the-go help, as you need it.
Inhalers are the small spray devices that deliver your Asthma medication. They release a puff of medication (which could be in either a spray or powder form) which you breathe directly into your lungs. Inhalers work best when you use a spacer. Inhalers can be used for both reliever and controller medication. 4,5
There are many different types of inhalers and each of these must be used in a specific way. Make sure to listen carefully when your doctor or pharmacist explains this to you and ask them if they have an easy-to-read manual you can keep. 5
Some of the types of inhalers available are: 5
A metered-dose inhaler
Turbuhaler
Diskus/Accuhaler
Breezhaler/Aerolizer
Reliever Reliance
Are you over-reliant on your blue reliever inhaler? Complete the Reliever Over-Reliance Test to find out.
Spacer
A spacer is a plastic container that is used with a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) to inhale medication into your lungs.
Using a spacer makes dosing easier and more effective, reducing side effects like oral thrush. It has an opening at one end to insert your inhaler, and a mouthpiece or mask at the other end for you to breathe in your medicine.
Spacers should be cleaned regularly and replaced as per the manufacturer’s instructions. There is more than one type of spacer, and instructions on how to use them are described below.5
How to use a spacer: 5
Remove the cap, shake the inhaler and insert it into the spacer.
Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal it with your lips, but do not bite.
Start breathing in and out slowly and gently. You will hear a clicking sound as the valve opens and closes.
Once your breathing is steady, press one puff of your inhaler and continue to breathe in and out several times.
Remove the spacer from your mouth.
Repeat steps 2 to 5 for extra puffs.
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Nebuliser
A nebuliser is a device which changes liquid medication into a very fine mist which is then breathed in through a mask or mouthpiece, reaching even the smallest parts of the lung.
Nebulised therapy is often used when:
- High doses of reliever medication are needed in emergencies such as an Asthma attack.
- A child, a disabled or special needs person, or someone with conditions such as arthritis or poor eyesight cannot use an inhaler.
- The required medicine is not available in any other format. 11,12
Due to advances in the types of inhalers and spacers available today, there is less need for nebulised therapy; however, in certain circumstances, it may be prescribed. Patients with severe Asthma are often prescribed a nebuliser for home use. 5,12
Nebulisers can also be used in the tests that are run by the doctor to diagnose Asthma. Alternatively, they can be used for the treatment of other conditions, when occasionally high doses of corticosteroids or antibiotics need to be delivered into the lungs.
A nebuliser can be used by all ages, as babies and small children could use a mask, and older children and adults could receive the medication via either a mask or a mouthpiece. 12
Nebulisers are not all the same. To recommend the use of a specific nebuliser, your doctor will also look at the type of medication they are prescribing, and which machine will deliver the best treatment. The size of the medication particles, the output of the nebuliser, how long the medication needs to be administered for, and how much of the drug could get lost during treatment, are some of the points the doctor will look at before recommending a specific type of nebuliser. 11
Here are some of the nebulisers that are being used to treat Asthma: 11
| Type of nebuliser | Feature(s) |
|---|---|
| Ultrasonic nebuliser | Not used very often A quiet machine Used for nebulising large volumes of liquids |
| Jet nebuliser | Uses compressed gas to create an aerosol Provides a continuous flow, but a lot of medication is lost Inexpensive Used for reliever medication or steroids |
| Breath-assist jet nebuliser | Uses inhalation to increase the rate of nebulisation Less medication is lost, and it is easier to predict how much reaches the lungs Treatment with this device may last longer than with other machines |
| Mesh nebuliser | Uses back-and-forth vibrating motion to create an aerosol Operates with batteries Small enough to carry around Lightweight and silent Does not use compressed air |
A nebulising session could last 5 to 10 minutes, and the following are helpful tips on what to do during such a session: 12
- If you’re using a mouthpiece, seal your lips around it and breathe through your mouth, not your nose.
- If you’re using a facemask, place it over your mouth and nose.
- Sit up as straight as you can.
- Try to take normal, calm breaths.
To get the best performance from your nebuliser, you need to take proper care of the machine after treatments:
Cleaning
Maintenance
Regularly check the tubing for holes or kinks. Masks, mouthpieces, filters and tubing need to be changed regularly as per the manufacturer’s instructions.11
Technical Services
Cleaning
Maintenance
Technical Services
Nebulisers must be serviced regularly by the manufacturer or by the provider from whom you obtained the machine. Make sure you are aware of when, where and how often this needs to be done.11
Useful resources
We have a number of useful tools, videos, links and various articles with loads of additional information to assist you in managing your Asthma throughout your life.
Find out more
Controllers
Controller medication is also called preventive medicine, which protects the lungs and prevents Asthma attacks from occurring.
