Which is the best inhaler — Dry powder inhaler or metered dose inhaler to control asthma?

Read this before you get yourself or your loved one an inhaler for asthma.

By: Debjani Arora | | Published: May 2, 2017 6:05 pm

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There are various kinds of inhalers present in the market that help one to control asthma. However, each comes with its own pros and cons. If you or your loved one suffers from asthma, you know that inhalers are your lifeline. But which one to choose from could be a question that often pops into your mind. While the pressurised-metered dose inhalers had been around for years the dry inhalers that came after are also a favourite among chronic asthma patients. So if you are wondering whether to stick to your previous inhaler or switch to dry inhalers, we got a detailed description of both from Dr Ashok Mahashur, consultant chest physician, P D Hinduja Hospital. ‘The use of dry powder inhalers is increasing these days as they are easy to use. However, at the end it is the patient’s choice to stick to the one he is comfortable using,’ he says. Also Read - World Asthma Day 2020: Beware! These foods may worsen your symptoms

Here Dr Mahashur gives a detailed description of both the inhalers as follows: Also Read - Avoiding these 5 foods may help prevent asthma attack

Dry powdered inhalers: This kind of inhaler has dry powder. It doesn’t need to be pumped or pressed to get the medication. There is a simple device that helps to inhale the dry powder in a single breath. With one deep breathe you can inhale the dose and not be worried about if you have taken the right dosage or not. Also Read - Childhood asthma and family bonding: What’s the connection?

Pressurised-metered inhalers: These inhalers make use of the pump and are usually in the pressurised spray form. Each time you need to press to take in one dose of the medication. Here, you need to press and inhale the medication. This needs coordination between actuation of the inhaler and the patient’s breathing. Some patients are unable to do it correctly. Most people use the device incorrectly and fail to hold their breath after inhalation or breathe in the dose correctly. Using this kind of inhaler needs practice and co-ordination. Especially for the elderly and people suffering from muscular weakness, this could be little problematic.

In such case, a dry inhaler stands to be a preferred choice.

Pressurised-metered inhalers with spacer: These kinds of inhalers are used for children. There is a spacer or a device between the mouthpiece and the inhaler. Here, the dose is first released into the spacer and then inhaled slowly, so the dose reaches the lungs directly. This kind of inhaler works well for the elderly too. However, the spacer needs to be washed and cleaned regularly to avoid saliva being stuck on the walls.

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Published : May 2, 2017 6:05 pm

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