Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not a single disease, but rather a category of several diseases, such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, that impede air from getting to the lungs. It is a progressive, chronic condition, which means that it gets worse over time. There are various causes of this illness, including smoking and long term exposure to airborne pollutants. The inhaler for COPD is the most common form of treatment, mainly because it is such an effective way of delivering the medication.

Not Just One Inhaler for COPD:

First of all, there are different types of inhalers, but all of them help to get medication straight into the lungs. There are long-acting and fast-acting inhalers, and the inhaler that you will be prescribed will depend on the symptoms that you are experiencing. A combination of different inhalers may be required.

Every inhaler is designed to open up the respiratory tract and make it easier to breathe. It provides quick symptomatic relief and helps to minimize flareups. Two common types of inhalers are the glucocorticosteroids and the bronchodilators, although one that combines the two is also available.

Types of Inhaler for COPD:

1. A bronchodilator helps to relax respiratory muscles, thereby making breathing easier. Usually, short-acting inhalers are needed, to be taken every four to six hours. Short- and long-term dilators can be prescribed as the condition progresses, for longer relief.
2. Glucocorticosteroids, or steroids, are prescribed alongside bronchodilators and are usually for those who already have more advanced COPD. These are usually offered for short periods of time, to determine whether they are effective and to avoid the complications associated with steroids.

There are also so-called “rescue” inhalers. A rescue inhaler for COPD is very fast-acting. A standard bronchodilator or steroid inhaler usually takes around 20 minutes to work, after which it provides relief for several hours. Rescue inhalers work almost instantly and are more like the inhalers used for asthma.

Common Inhaler Brand Names:

– Short-term inhalers include Ipratropium, Levalbuterol, and Albuterol.
– Long-term inhalers include Salmeterol, Tiotropium, and Aclidinium.
– Steroids include Budesonide and Fluticasone.

There are three kinds of inhalers:

1. Metered dose inhalers (MDI), which are now known as hydrofluoroalkane inhalers
2. Dry powder inhalers (DPI)
3. Soft mist inhalers (SMI)

As the condition worsens, most patients move from the inhaler to the nebulizer. What this means is that they breathe in a mist with the medication for a longer period of time, rather than having a puff of it through the inhaler. Inhalers also have a preset amount of medication included in them, whereas nebulizers require the patients, or their nurses, to add the correct dosage. Unlike inhalers, nebulizers are not portable, so they are only used at home.

Meanwhile, recent research has shown that using inhalers may slow down the progression of COPD. Hence, it is very important that those who have been diagnosed start using their inhalers, and particularly the long-acting ones, as prescribed by their medical team. In so doing, they may avoid needing steroids and, eventually, nebulizers as well.