Aerosols have advantages for asthma patients, such as small dosage, fast effectiveness, minimal side effects, and convenience of use. However, regardless of the type of aerosol, it must be used correctly. Otherwise, most of the medication may be sprayed into the mouth, with only a small amount reaching the bronchi. This not only fails to achieve the desired therapeutic effect, but may also cause serious side effects.
The correct usage method is as follows: Shake the aerosol up and down several times, remove the cap from the mouthpiece, take a few deep breaths and exhale as much air from the lungs as possible. Then, hold the mouthpiece, place the lips around the entire opening, inhale deeply, and simultaneously press the canister. This will release the medication from the canister, allowing it to be deeply inhaled until it can no longer be inhaled. Remove the aerosol, close the mouth, hold the breath for 10 seconds, and slowly exhale the air through the nose. Wait for 2-3 minutes before using the aerosol again. This method ensures that the medication reaches the deep bronchial mucosa, maximizes its therapeutic effect, and minimizes the risk of medication entering the esophagus. After asthma symptoms subside, rinse the mouth with half a cup of water to prevent medication residue from accumulating on the oral and esophageal mucosa.
Aerosols can be classified into two categories based on their effects: immediate relief aerosols, such as Salbutamol, Terbutaline, and Fenoterol, which provide immediate relief from asthma symptoms; and preventive aerosols, such as inhaled corticosteroids and inhaled sodium cromoglycate, which help prevent asthma attacks. These two types of aerosols should not be used together, as it may have an adverse effect.
Furthermore, all types of aerosols have a certain degree of tolerance, so it is best to use different aerosols interchangeably. Prolonged use of a single aerosol may affect its effectiveness.
