Over the counter (OTC) inhalers are a great way to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, but you need to be sure you’re using them correctly and purchasing them from a reputable source. Here’s what you need to know about OTC inhalers.
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What are over the counter inhalers and what do they treat?
OTC inhalers are asthma medications that you can purchase without a prescription. They’re meant for people whose asthma is mild and who don’t require regular use of an inhaler. OTC inhalers can help to relieve mild asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
There are two types of OTC inhalers: bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, work by relaxing the muscles around your airways to make it easier to breathe. Corticosteroids, such as fluticasone, help to reduce inflammation in your airways.
How do over the counter inhalers work?
OTC inhalers work by delivering medication directly to your lungs. When you use an OTC inhaler, you’ll need to take a deep breath and exhale fully before putting the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth. Then, you’ll need to seal your lips around the mouthpiece and inhale deeply. As you inhale, press down on the canister to release the medication. Hold your breath for 10 seconds before exhaling. OTC inhalers are usually an effective asthma treatment for mild asthma.
How to use over the counter inhalers?
You should use OTC inhalers as directed by the manufacturer or your doctor. In general, you’ll need to take one or two puffs of the inhaler and wait a few minutes before repeating. It’s important not to overuse OTC inhalers, as this can lead to side effects like increased heart rate and shaking. You should only use OTC inhalers after you’ve been diagnosed with asthma by your healthcare provider.
What are the side effects of over the counter inhalers?
The most common side effects of OTC inhalers are mild and include:
-Dry mouth
-Throat irritation
-Headache
-Nervousness
More serious side effects of OTC inhalers are rare, but can include:
-Fast or irregular heartbeat
-Chest pain
-Shortness of breath
-Swelling of your ankles, feet, or legs
If you experience any of these side effects, you should stop using the OTC inhaler and seek medical attention immediately.
How to store over the counter inhalers?
You should store over the counter inhalers at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Be sure to keep them out of reach of children.
When should you see a doctor?
If you’re using OTC inhalers more than two times per week, or if your symptoms are not well controlled, you should see your doctor or healthcare provider.
Buying over the counter inhalers
When purchasing OTC inhalers, be sure to buy from a reputable source. In general, you always want to make sure that the inhaler you purchase is an FDA approved asthma inhaler. You can find over the counter inhalers at most pharmacies and some grocery stores.
Do not use over the counter inhalers if:
-You have asthma that is not well controlled
-You are pregnant or breastfeeding
-You are under the age of 18
-You have heart disease or high blood pressure
-You have diabetes
If you have any of these conditions, you should see a doctor before using over the counter inhalers.
In conclusion, over the counter inhalers are a great way to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, but you need to be sure you’re using them correctly.
Bronchial asthma relief
Bronchial asthma relief is an OTC (over the counter) that is a blend of ephedrine and guaifenesin. It is intended to help relieve the symptoms of bronchial asthma.
How does it work?
Bronchial asthma relief works by helping to open the airways and thin the mucus in the lungs. This can help to make breathing easier and reduce the symptoms of bronchial asthma.
What is bronchial asthma?
Bronchial asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
Asthma attacks can range from mild to severe, and they may happen only occasionally or daily. If you have asthma, you need to be careful about what triggers your attacks and try to avoid them. You also need to have a plan in place in case you have an attack.
How over the counter inhalers compare to prescription inhalers?
Over the counter inhalers are not as strong as prescription inhalers, but they can still be effective in treating mild symptoms. If you have more severe asthma, you will need to see a doctor and get a prescription for a stronger inhaler. Over the counter inhalers are also not meant for people who have asthma that is not well controlled.
In general, prescription medication is always stronger than over the counter variants.
Over the counter Inhaler alternatives ?
If you have asthma that is not well controlled, you should see a doctor and get a prescription for a stronger inhaler. There are also some over the counter medications that can help to relieve symptoms of asthma, such as antihistamines and decongestants.
Disposing of over the counter inhalers
When you’re finished using an over the counter inhaler, you should dispose of it properly. Most over the counter inhalers are made of plastic and can be recycled. However, you should check with your local recycling program to be sure. You should also never throw an over the counter inhaler in the trash, as this could be dangerous for someone else to come across.
Conclusion
OTC inhalers are a great way to treat asthma and other respiratory problems. However, you need to be sure you’re using them correctly and that you purchase them from a reputable source. Be sure to read over the list of do-nots before using OTC inhalers in order to avoid any dangerous side effects.