With over 5.4 million reported cases, there’s no denying that asthma is one of the most popular diseases in the United Kingdom today. Asthma is a lung disease that occurs when a patient’s airways become inflamed, narrow, and swell to the extent of producing excessive mucus. This excess mucus makes it very difficult for the patient to breathe properly. The bad news about asthma is that it’s incurable. The good news, however, is that with the proper asthma medication, you can always control and manage its symptoms.
One effective medication to manage the symptoms of this lung disease is metered dose inhaler (MDI) – a good example is the Ventolin Inhaler.
How exactly does Ventolin Inhaler work?
Ventolin Inhaler is a metered dose inhaler that contains Salbutamol, a medicine that helps you (an asthma patient) to breathe easily. Salbutamol, which only offers temporary comfort, works by expanding the airways in the lungs, and this helps to eliminate various asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
At what rate should you take Ventolin Inhaler daily?
The standard dose for long-term asthma treatment is one inhalation at roughly 3 to 4 times daily. Yes, you should only consider taking at most 4 puffs in a day. A recommended dose equates to 1 inhalation, which must be done at least 15 minutes before any activity to prevent exercise-induced asthma.
Are Ventolin Inhalers steroids or not?
Ventolin inhalers are known as sympathomimetic bronchodilators. These are agents that help to stimulate sympathetic nervous fibers, which enable the smooth muscle in your airways to relax properly. As such, Ventolin inhalers do not contain steroids. Instead, they only have the active chemical albuterol, which makes smooth muscle relaxation possible.
Does Ventolin have side effects?
As effective as Ventolin inhalers are, you need to understand they also have their side effects. So far, people mostly report that this asthma medication can cause taste alteration. For instance, it can give you a poor, odd, or unpleasant taste. Taste alteration aside, Ventolin can also cause nausea, perspiration, throat & mouth irritation, fine tremor, dizziness, lax of rest, and headache.
Is Ventolin Inhaler an everyday asthma medication?
According to its manufacturer, Ventolin contains drugs that only remain effective for roughly 4-6 hours after usage. As such, it’s safe to use your inhaler about 4-6 times every day for your asthma treatment.
What is the most effective way to use Ventolin Inhaler?
- Before use, ensure to check your Ventolin mouthpiece and be sure nothing is trapped inside. You can do this by removing the MDI cap.
- Once you’re sure your Ventolin is safe for use, the next thing is to shake the device about 10 to 15 times.
- Next, hold the inhaler with the mouthpiece positioned downward. After that, you can put your lips around the mouthpiece.
- As you start to inhale slowly and deeply, only press down the inhaler once.
- After inhalation, remove the Ventolin inhaler from your mouth. Next, count slowly to ten as you hold your breath. This move is important to enable the medication to enter deeply into your lungs for effective results.
- After that, you need to exhale gradually.
- Depending on your doctor’s puff prescription, you can repeat the procedures above. Before doing this, ensure to wait about 1 to 2 minutes.
When should you not use Ventolin?
Ventolin inhalers are not designed for everybody. This asthma medication should not be used for children below the age of 4 years.
Does Ventolin work quickly?
The good news is that Ventolin is pretty effective and tends to work within minutes. This is so because Ventolin is an inflammation medicine.
Can I get Ventolin without a prescription?
Well, the over-the-counter purchase of a Ventolin inhaler is not possible. To purchase this asthma medication, you need to have a doctor’s prescription. However, you can buy this product online at Ashcroft Pharmacy.
Is Ventolin a preventer or reliever?
Ventolin is a metered dose inhaler that works as an asthma symptom reliever (salbutamol). It’s a pain reliever that comes with different effects, including trembling hands, palpitations, and anxiety.
Do inhalers damage the lungs?
Recent research has it that inhalers could expose patients to nontuberculous mycobacterial lung infections. These infections are pretty difficult to treat, especially with many standard treatments.
Do Ventolin Inhalers have different strength levels?
Ventolin HFA is an inhaler device that comes in two different sizes. First, there’s an 8g option, which is capable of holding roughly 60 inhalations. The second option is an 18g device that could deliver up to 200 inhalations.
Can a Ventolin inhaler help with COVID
Although Ventolin is a reliever, it’s worth noting that this medication is only effective for managing asthma symptoms. It may not be effective in addressing similar symptoms introduced by the coronavirus.
When exactly was Ventolin introduced to the market?
A team led by David Jack discovered Salbutamol at the Allen & Hanburys lab, Hertfordshire, England, in 1966. The medicine was later launched as Ventolin after three years of its lab discovery.
Does Ventolin cause “shaking”?
Handshaking is currently one of the side effects of Ventolin inhalers. Apart from making your hands shake, these asthma medications can also make your heart pound, just like many other bronchodilating medications. This trembling effect will most likely make your feel uncomfortable, but the effect should be gone within an hour
Do Ventolin Inhalers have expiry dates?
Check the package of your asthma medication or inhaler to see its expiry date. One thing you need to know is that most asthma inhalers are only safe for use for just 12 months.
Can pregnant women take Ventolin?
Ventolin inhalers, including many other short-acting bronchodilators, are very safe during pregnancy.