A rescue inhaler is a type of inhaler that dispenses medication to relieve or stop the symptoms of an asthma attack.
A rescue inhaler is a type of inhaled medication to help relieve the symptoms of or stop an asthma attack.
is a chronic disease affecting your lungs. It causes narrowing or inflammation of the airways that leads to
such as:
wheezing
tightness in your chest
shortness of breath
coughing
Coughing associated with asthma is
in the morning or evening. Although there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with proper management and treatment.
One type of asthma medication contained within an inhaler is called a
. Bronchodilators help relieve
by relaxing the muscles of your airway. This allows more air to enter your lungs. Another benefit of bronchodilators is that they allow for mucus to be cleared or coughed up more easily because they make your airway more open.
There are two main types of bronchodilators: short-acting and long-acting. A rescue inhaler uses a short-acting bronchodilator.
Short-acting bronchodilators
This type works quickly to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. Your rescue inhalers should relieve your symptoms in 15 to 20 minutes. The effects of the medication typically last between four and six hours.
In addition to relieving the
, a rescue inhaler can be used prior to a strenuous workout to help prevent an asthma attack from occurring.
Long-acting bronchodilators
Long-acting bronchodilators help
by keeping the airway open. They are often used with anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and mucus in the airway and are used for long-term asthma management.
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Use your rescue inhaler when you first start to notice your asthma symptoms. Once asthma symptoms become intense, you could be experiencing an asthma attack.
Symptoms of an asthma attack may include:
coughing or
tightness in your chest
The cause of asthma itself is still unclear, but several things are known to trigger asthma attacks. Knowing your asthma triggers will help you avoid situations or environments that could lead to an asthma attack.
such as pollen, mold, and
, such as smog and dust particles
irritants in the air, such as cigarette smoke, wood fire, and strong fumes
infections of the airway, such as colds and the flu
exercise
Carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times so it’s nearby in the event of an asthma attack. Never use your rescue inhaler in place of your long-term asthma control medications.
Side effects from using your rescue inhaler can include:
feeling nervous or shaky
increased heart rate
hyperactivity
In rare cases, you may also experience an upset stomach or
.
If you have asthma, you should discuss an
with your doctor. This is a written plan that both you and your doctor develop for how to control your asthma. An asthma action plan should contain the following details:
the medications you’re taking to control your asthma
when your medications should be taken
how to handle asthma attacks
when you should call your doctor or go to the emergency room
If your child has asthma, all caregivers should be aware of your child’s asthma action plan.
If you need to use your rescue inhaler more than twice weekly, speak with your doctor. This is a sign that the dosage of the long-acting asthma medication you’re taking may need to be adjusted.
If you’re having an asthma attack, it’s important to remain calm.
as soon as you begin to feel the symptoms of an asthma attack.
Continue to monitor your symptoms. You should feel relief within 20 minutes after using the rescue inhaler. Even if your rescue inhaler works to relieve the symptoms of your asthma attack, it’s a good idea to call your doctor to follow-up.
Asthma attacks can sometimes be serious, requiring treatment in the emergency room. If your rescue inhaler doesn’t relieve the symptoms of your asthma attack, seek immediate emergency medical care.
Call your local emergency services if you have the following symptoms:
rapid breathing, during which your skin sucks in around your ribs while inhaling
rapid movement of the nostrils
ribs, stomach, or both moving in and out deeply and rapidly
blue coloring of the face, fingernails, or lips
chest that doesn’t deflate when you are exhaling
A rescue inhaler is used to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack quickly. It should be used as soon as you feel your asthma beginning to flare up. You should carry your rescue inhaler with you at all times in case you need it.
If your rescue inhaler isn’t working to relieve your asthma attack or if you have symptoms of a severe asthma attack, you should go to the emergency room immediately.
A rescue inhaler should never be used in place of your typical long-term asthma control medication. If you find that you’re using your rescue inhaler more than twice per week, talk to your doctor about adjusting your asthma medication dosage or management plan.