Why inhalers work

Fortunately, the development of inhalers as a first line of defense for asthma treatment means that the acute signs of an attack can be treated right away. There are many different delivery methods for asthma medication, but inhalers are by far the most popular.

One method of inhaler treatment is the dry powder inhaler, which works by sending dry medicine to the lungs. The medicine is enclosed in a capsule that the patient either loads into the canister themselves or that is already inside the inhaler and must be triggered for use.

Since this type of inhaler relies on the patient manually inhaling the dry medication , it has become a less popular option for asthma treatment. The most common form of asthma treatment is the metered dose inhaler.

Medication mixed with aerosol for easy inhalation is delivered in a canister, which is often placed into a holding chamber. The cap is removed, and the mouthpiece of the inhaler is placed between the teeth. Almost everyone with asthma will use a bronchodilator to help open their airways. Others may use one at some point in their life if diagnosed with a persistent cough, COPD, bronchitis, etc. Different inhalers have different medications, or a combination of drugs, to address different illnesses.

There are three basic types of inhalers that deliver medications. The most common is the metered-dose inhaler or MDI which uses pressure to push the medication out of the inhaler. Nebulizers use air or oxygen and deliver a mist of the medication through a tube or mask that fits over your nose and mouth. The main problem with asthma is a narrow airway, that is preventing decent airflow and preventing proper air removal from the lungs. This occurs via two way, 1 the airways are narrowing called bronchoconstriction and 2 the airway are getting inflammed and thicker.

Both together, decrease the space needed for proper airflow. The B2 receptor Beta 2 is part of the nervous system which tells the airways to dilate. We want to activate these receptors, and we do this with a B2 agonist medication, most famously Albuterol. This medication is quick on and quick off, therefore is usually used as needed.