Types of inhalers
There are two types of medications that can be taken through the inhalers– Controllers or Preventer (these help control your symptoms) and Relievers (these provide instant relief in case of exacerbation of symptoms or an asthma attack). Inhalers have been proved to be the safest and most effective way to treat and control asthma and COPD, as the inhaled medication reaches the lungs directly.
Broadly, the inhaler devices can be classified under 4 categories – Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs), Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs), Breath Actuated Inhalers (BAIs)and Nebulizers.
1. Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs)
Also known as pump inhalers, these are the most commonly used inhaler devices. They are propellent-based and deliver a specific, amount of medication to the lungs, in the form of aerosol spray; which needs to be inhaled. It releases reproducible doses every time on actuation. This means that the same amount of dose is released every time. These inhalers do not depend upon the patient’s inhalation to trigger the release of the drug. They require co-ordination between the actuation of the canister and inhalation of the dose. To put it simply, you must inhale and simultaneously press the canister to release the medication dose. pMDIs also come with a dose counter, making it easy to keep track of the number of puffs remaining in the device.
Below is a video guide on How to Clean a Pressurised Metered Dose Inhalers (pMDIs) to help you maintain it.
Below mentioned devices can be attached to the pMDI, to ease it’s use.
Synchrobreathe
An advanced version of pMDI inhalers which sense your inhalation to release medication automatically. Synchrobreathe can be easily and effectively used by children, adults and elderly
Zerostat VT Spacer
Zerostat VT spacer can be attached to the pMDI. It holds the medication for a little while after the pMDI’s actuation. Thus, the spacer helps you inhale all the medication, even if you do not inhale exactly at the same time when the pMDI canister is pressed for releasiung the medication.
Minizerostat Spacers
Spacer device when used along with pMDI inhalers hold the medication for a while and hence help you inhale all the medication easily even if you do not inhale and press the canister at the same time. Small volume, pre-assembled spacer provide the convenience of easily taking the medication along with pMDI
Baby Mask
If your child is unable to hold the Zerostat VT Spacer’s mouthpiece properly, you can attach the baby mask to the Zerostat VT Spacer and then use the pMDI.
With the help of the BabyMask your child can easily inhale the medicine, while breathing in & out through the mouth normally. It is also useful for those who have difficulty in maintaining a good lip seal on the mouth piece of the pMDI.
Huf Puf Kit
The spacer and baby mask come preassembled in a Huf Puf Kit. As it is preassembled, it helps deliver the medication quickly in case of an emergency and saves time.
2. Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
These types of inhalers deliver the medication in a dry powder form. DPIs are breath-actuated devices, which depend on your inhalation, to release the medication from the device. In comparison to the pMDIs, these are easier to use as they don’t need propellants and co-ordination. Usually, DPIs are single dose devices, although multi-dose DPIs are available as well.
Revolizer
The Revolizer is an easy to use DPI, usually used with medication capsules known as rotacaps. It provides an accurate medication dose and a more efficient dispersal, even when the inhalation flow rates are low.
Rotahaler
The Rotahaler is an easy to use completely transparent DPI. It is usually used with medication capsules known as rotacaps. Since it is completely transparent, it enables you to make sure that you have inhaled the entire medication.
3. Nebulizers
Unlike pMDIs and DPIs, nebulizers convert the liquid medication into suitable aerosol droplets, which are best suited for inhalation. Nebulizers do not require coordination and deliver the medication quickly and effectively to the lungs in the form of a mist. Nebulizers are preferred during asthma attacks, in infants, children, elderly, critical, patients unconscious patients, and those who cannot use a pMDI or DPI effectively.
4. Nasal Spray
A Nasal spray is a simple drug delivery device. It is used to deliver medications directly to the nasal cavity. They are used locally for conditions such as nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis. It works by shrinking the blood vessels and tissues in the nose which becomes swollen and inflamed due to cold, allergies or flu. A nasal spray can go a long way in controlling the symptoms of allergic rhinitis or a nasal allergy. It works best when used regularly and consistently.
