I got my inhaler for asthma

[serryjw]

how do I use it...I don't remember!

[tjdee]

1. What do you have? I have Advair.

And I push it open with my thumb, push the cute little lever-ish thing over, inhale...hold my breath for 10 seconds...then exhale. Then rinse.

If you have the regular albuterol, isn't that just for emergencies? Or is that just me?

[serryjw]

3. Albuterol

But I'm supposed to take it ever 4-6 hours

[progmom]

4. my doc told me not to put my lips right on it

...but rather hold it one inch from your mouth, otherwise nost of the stuff just ends up in your mouth instead of your lungs

shake the can

you expell the air from your lungs

press down on the canister to release the medicine while you take a deep breath

hold your breath for 10 seconds

breathe out slowly


that's how my doc told me to do it (last week)

[serryjw]

5. Thanks.......I have to practice

[lady lib]

6. I don't want to second guess your doctor,

but here's my understanding of asthma treatment: Usually, if you have mild intermittent asthma, you take a bronchodilator (albuterol) on an as needed basis only. Anything more severe and you start adding other medications. For example, the next step up for mild persistent asthma is an inhaled steroid taken every day and then the bronchodilator is used on an as needed basis.
**So the actual long-term control of asthma is maintained with anti-inflammatories (like inhaled steroids), and the bronchodilator is used for symptomatic relief.

[lady lib]

2. It's important to learn correctly

Get written directions from your doctor or pharmacist and have them demonstrate how to use your inhaler.

[hunter]

7. Don't mess around with asthma

Albuterol should only be used occassionally. If you are using it regularly (like every day...) you probably need different meds. If your albuterol doesn't work, don't just take more, get yourself to a doctor.

As a young man it took me a few hospitalizations before I figured out I wasn't superman.

I hope your asthma isn't that bad.