When do I use an Inhaler?

Question

I was given my albuterol inhaler when I was diagnosed with Asthma at age 21, however, they said "use as needed". so here is my question, when do I need it? When I have a coughing fit and my chest hurts? when my chest aches and it's slightly hard to breathe? when it's hard to breathe, but I can still breathe? when it hurts to breathe? I honestly don't know, and I think I should be using it a lot more than I do, but I often just wait for it to pass, even though my chest always hurts. For instance this week I've had breathing problems everyday, and my chest has been sore all week....so please help, I just don't know!

Answer 1

since you were diagnosed with asthma, you probably know what the allergen that triggers your asthma. if you feel that you may have been exposed to that allergen and you can feel the asthma attack coming, then you can use your inhaler.

if for some reason, you don't know if you're having an asthma attack (usually, you KNOW when you're having an attack), you don't need a stethoscope to hear or feel yourself wheeze. if you can hear it, or you feel like you're breathing through a small straw -- then you can use your inhaler. usually, when you're having an attack, you continously cough, so that's a sign also.

so to answer your question, use it when it's hard to breathe, but you can still breathe.

Answer 2

Albuterol is a short term bronchodilator (trade names Ventolin or Proventil) used for asthma and emphysema and other lung conditions; available in oral or inhalant forms; side effects are tachycardia and shakiness. A bronchodialator a drug that relaxes and dilates the bronchial passageways and improves the passages of air into the lungs.

Albuterol usually is given for one of two purposes to prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath, and troubled breathing caused by asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases. Albuterol inhalation also is used to prevent breathing difficulties (bronchospasm) during exercise. Albuterol is in a class of medications called beta-agonists. It works by relaxing and opening air passages in the lungs, making it easier to breathe.

The normal dose for treatment and prevention of an asthma attack is 2 inhalations every 4-6 hours. Unless you are in an acute attack at which point you can take up to 2 inhalations every 5 minutes until EMS arrives, if this is the only rescue medicine you have. Although I would advise aginst this unless you are in a life threatening attack. For the prevention of bronchospasm during exercise, the oral inhalation is used 15 minutes before exercise.

Albuterol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

-tremor
-nervousness
-shakiness
-dizziness
-excitement
-headache
-difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
-nosebleed
-increased appetite
-upset stomach
-vomiting
-stomach pain
-muscle cramps
-cough
-dry mouth (inhalation only)
-throat irritation (inhalation only)

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

-rapid, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
-chest pain or discomfort
-severe rash
-hives
-itching
-increased difficulty breathing
-difficulty swallowing
-swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
-hoarseness

Asthma attacks will NOT pass on their own, often if you are experience some symptoms of an asthma attack and you can get away from the trigger of these symptoms then you can prevent a full blown attack. During a full blown attack use of sometype of medication is required, and albuterol is a wonderful one.

Given the fact that I am not your doctor, I can't say for sure...but from experience when an albuterol inhaler says used as directed, it means take every 4-6 hours p.r.n. (as needed). If you are foundin yourself having coughing fits often associated with chest pain, it is time to go see your pulmonologist. These are not normal everyday symptoms of well controlled asthma. Where I am it 7:20 in the morning, I would suggest as soon as you read this message that when your doctors office opens call and get an appt immediately. Coughing fits, chest pain and shortness of breath, could actually be something other than your asthma, and by waiting around you could be making it worse.

Best of Luck,
Kimberly, RRT

Answer 3

I use the same inhaler and the doctor told me to use it about 20 minutes before excersise. Another time that you have to use it is when you start feeling tightness in the chest. If it doesn't improve go to the emergency room because you never know, it might be something that is much most serious than just an asthma episode.

Answer 4

Make an appointment to see your doctor asap. Especially because of the coughing fits and chest pain. That is more than asthma. Your doctor should schedule you for a lung function test to rule out COPD caused by chronic bronchitis. What you are describing is not asthma. The sooner you see your doctor the better off you'll be. I do have COPD and the symptoms you are describing are some that I have.

Answer 5

I use Albuterol. I use it when I find it hard to breathe. Two puffs each time, with a minute between puffs. The recommended dose is 2 puffs, 4 times a day. Some people have to use it more than that.

I don't have a coughing problem, so I can't advise you on that.

Answer 6

I would go and see an asthma specialist if I were you. You should get a lung function test. I have had asthma all of my life and never once, unless I have pnumonia or the flu, had chest pain.

The inhaler should be used when you are wheezing or tight, but really, if it's bad.. you should have a nebulizer. Also, you should takl to your doctor about another kind of medicine. They have advair, and that works like a charm. It also has more of a long term affect.

Answer 7

The Indication for use of inhaler is the Bronchial Asthma as u hv diagnosed.
Use it when u feel breeththless, want of air the Bronchodilator will make the airway clear and relive ur dyspnoea

i suggest a drug which will help u
Spongia Tosta 200 4 pills at bed time and in morning * 7 days tell me the efffect . a homoeopathic Medicine.good Luck

Answer 8

This is a question for your doctor. I think it's individual for everyone. My daughter uses and albuterol inhaler as needed. When her chest feels tight or she feels like she's not getting enough air(deep enough breaths) then she uses it. It's works well. She feels normal after she uses it. It sounds like you might need to be using yours more. I think it's easier on your body when it's not struggling. Good luck to you.

Answer 9

go see a dr.