Inhalers are medical devices in which medicine is held that is then sent to the respiratory tract when you breathe it in, or inhale through it. There are many types of inhalers for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and some people find that quite confusing. Different inhalers deliver the medicine in different ways, and they also contain different types of medication. This is why it is important that if you have been diagnosed with COPD, you speak with your medical team to better understand what inhalers are available, and which one is best for you.
3 Types of Inhalers for COPD:
1. Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers
Short-acting bronchodilator inhalers are the most commonly prescribed. They stop the muscles in the bronchi from contracting too much, while at the same time dilating them. These inhalers are also known as relievers. The two key types are beta-agonist inhalers and antimuscarinic inhalers. The effects of both these inhalers usually last for between three and six hours. They are most suitable for people who do not need to use inhalers all the time.
2. Steroid inhalers
Steroid inhalers are often used alongside bronchodilators in people with more advanced COPD or in those who have regular exacerbations. These inhalers are never used on their own, as they are designed not to help with breathing per se, but rather to strengthen the lungs and reduce inflammation. Because of this, there are also known as preventers. They usually contain beclometasone, budesonide, or fluticasone.
3.Inhaler Devices
Inhaler devices have a number of different types to suit specific patients. They include nebulizers, inhalers with space devices, pressurized metered dose inhalers (MDIs), and breath activated inhalers (dry powder inhalers and MDIs).
The above are the three main types of inhalers for COPD patients. Within that list, however, there are huge subcategories of different medications and delivery methods. Patients have different requirements and likes and dislikes as well. A nebulizer, for instance, may not be suitable for those who still have a reasonably active life and spend a lot of time away from the home independently. In that case, these are often only used at night. On the other hand, for those who are more housebound or who use wheelchair transportation, they can be highly beneficial.
COPD is a chronic and progressive disease, which implies that most people find that a short-acting bronchodilator inhaler is more than sufficient at first. As their disease progresses, however, patients will need other devices, usually starting with a steroid inhaler and then moving on to inhaler devices. Recent studies, however, have shown that short-acting bronchodilators play an important role in slowing down the progression of the disease, mainly by keeping lung function intact. It would seem, therefore, that there is a case to be made for people using these types of inhalers for COPD even if the symptoms are not affecting them that much yet. This could be an opportunity for them to remain on bronchodilator inhalers only for a longer period of time and retain a greater quality of life.
