Does an inhaler help with chest pain?

Chest pain is the most common reason adults visit an emergency department each year, accounting for up to 10 million patient visits in the United States. It’s no surprise that over-the-counter (OTC) inhalers have become a go-to solution for patients experiencing chest pain due to asthma or other respiratory issues. But here we wonder “Are they effective?” We’ll investigate how an inhaler works and if it’s useful in managing chest pains.

What Causes Chest Pains?

Before we dive into whether or not OTC inhalers are effective, let’s understand what causes chest pains. Chest pain can be caused by various factors such as angina pectoris, heart attack, pericarditis, pneumonia, bronchitis or gastrointestinal conditions.

Tip: If you feel unbearable sharp pressure on your chest DO NOT try using inhalers without seeking medical attention immediately.

How Does an Inhaler Work?

Most OTC inhalers contain albuterol sulfate which belongs to a class of drugs called Beta-Agonists. Such agonist relaxes sore muscles and constricted airways by stimulating receptors known as beta-2 adrenergic receptors in one’s lungs making breathing easier while alleviating Asthma symptoms like coughing & wheezing.

Types of Inhaler

The main types of ease-of-use inhalers include:

  1. Metered Dose Inhalers: These come with doses ranging from 17g -21g acting between 5 minutes-20mins post usage.
  2. Nebulizers: Those work with a solution-form medicine generating mist uniform small pieces suitable more so for children
  3. Dry Powder Inhales :Powders form dry particles breathed through devices known as Diskus and Accuhalers.

How Effective Are Inhalers in Treating Chest Pains?

Studies have shown that albuterol sulfate from inhalers works rapidly after just 5 minutes of use when asthma exacerbations occur in children and adults. Also, nebulized albuterol helps relieving bronchospasm within minutes and can maintain relief for several hours. As a result, it is often used to treat chest pain caused by asthma.

However, chest pain due to heart attack or angina pectoris are not relieved with inhalers as they stem from different causes that affect cardiovascular blood flow.

When should you Visit the Hospital instead?

You will want to visit a hospital if your Chest Pain :

  • Comes on suddenly
  • Lasts more than three – four days
  • Described as sharp, burning or stabbing pains
  • Accompanied with other symptoms such as trouble breathing, dizziness / lightheadedness & severe sweating

Precautions while Using an Inhaler

Although Inhaling Sulfate may be safe for many people; however certain precautions must be followed:

  1. Use them only as directed since overuse can lead to worsening of Asthma symptoms

  2. Avoid contact with eyes (wash hands immediately)

  3. Children under 4 years old must avoid using an Inhaler containing beta-agonists but see a doctor immediately.

4./ Make sure you shake the inhaler before each spray so medication spreads evenly

5./ inhale at same rate each time resetting machine between breathes where apply

6./Always try sleeping propped up on pillows instead of lying down flat which worsens chest inflammation

Potential Side Effects

Possible adverse effects of improperly managed Sulphates intake include:

Side Effects Severity Level
Nervous state/ Agitation low
Insomnia low
Hypertension moderate
Rapid Heartbeat Rate (tachycardia) moderate
Seizures high

Remember to wash your mouth after using an inhaler to reduce the chances of side effects as well.

Final Verdict: Dry coughs and bronchitis relieve by Inhalers

Inhalers can help relieve chest pain caused by asthma, dry coughing or a case of bronchitis. However , always avoid delaying seeing a medical expert where symptoms fail because untreated lasting / persistent chest pain carry grave health hazard. Gasping relief through self-medicated usage should be entirely avoided in cardiac emergencies.

Be safe and stay healthy!

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