Dr. Rob Gillio is a pulmonolgist and is here to help you learn all about inhalers!

Inhalers are used for respiratory problems. “Respiratory problems” are problems that are associated with the lungs and mouth.

Pills and injections are not ideal for respiratory problems because they can have negative side effects. Inhalers are used because they are very strong and can directly attack what is causing your breathing problem without these side effects.

Inhalers are all different! Depending on what they are treating, they have different medication for the different problems your lungs may have.

If your bronchial tubes are constricting, a bronchodilator is used.

If your bronchial tubes are red and swollen, an anti-inflammatory is used.

If too much of a certain chemical is being produced in your lungs, the opposite of that chemical is used to balance it out.

As prescribed by your doctor, various inhalers can be used in combination to help you breathe better.

It is important to use your inhaler as directed, both in frequency and technique. In other words, if your doctor tells you to take your inhaler three times a day, you should do that! No more, no less. Then, you can talk to your doctor about whether that specific number is working for you.

You should also be making sure you are using your inhaler correctly. If you don’t, you could be wasting your medication and money! If you aren’t sure, check with your doctor to see if you are using it correctly.

If you can’t afford your inhalers, talk to your doctor about that, too. Sometimes, they are able to help out with the cost.