Which inhaler is best for copd?

If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). And if that’s the case, let me be the first to say: “Congratulations!” Yep, you read that right. You may have a chronic disease that makes it hard to breathe and limits your physical activity, but on the bright side – at least now you can talk about phlegm without people looking at you like something’s wrong with you.

All jokes aside though, living with COPD isn’t easy. One of the most important things a person with COPD needs is an effective inhaler.

The basics

Before delving into which inhaler is best for COPD patients, it’s worth understanding what these devices actually do. Inhalers contain medication in pressurized form and deliver measured doses of drugs directly into the airways through breathing in (if only it was as easy as lighting up a cigarette).

These medications work by opening up bronchial tubes in order to relieve shortness of breath – one of the hallmark symptoms of COPD patients.

Types of Inhalers

There are several types and forms of inhalers used in treating asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPDs) including dry powder inhalers (SPIRIVA), metered-dose-aerosol inhalers (PROAIR/ VENTOLIN), nebulizer solutions such as albuterol sulfate solution(NEBULIZED ALBUTEROL) administered through special equipment moving drug substances from containers / capsules whereby particles generally released via nose / mouthpiece attached after inserting cartridge inside(CALL YOUR DOCTOR TO ORDER NEBULIZER EQUIPMENT IF PRESCRIBED).

Now we shall look into two categories: Dry Powder Inhalers(DPIs) and Metered Dose Inhalers(MDIs). Each has different methods of releasing the drug, so it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before you choose. Let’s have a look at each type.

MDIs

Metered-dose inhalers release medicine through an aerosol canister propelled by a propellant that creates pressure as its released into lungs. MDI canisters usually run out quickly (200 puffs).

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Quick relief
• CFC free options available now

Cons:

• Hand eye coordination is necessary in using these devices.
• Burping or overflowing release technique
  them best left for those with good hand-eye- mouth coordination

## DPIs

Dry-powder inhalers work slightly differently than MDIs; the medication enclosed in this equipment releases slowly dependant on depth/volume of air drawn (kinda like a bong). There’s no “propellants” used but instead dry powders are packed tight within doses whereby relying on patient inhaling power in opening up capsules/pills whereupon contents are delivered directly to lung receptors : SPIRIVA HANDHALER uses remote breath activated sender absorbing respiratory sound/tone data so it delivers 1ml dose everytime connected w/ iphone allowing physicians track history & monitor patients progress

Pros:

Super-easy solo folk option – No need for special breathing techniques with this one
Looks cool(ish)
No dexterity needed for loading med cartridges once ready as they come preloaded from pharmacy(sealed blister packs)

Cons:

Tendancy to clog if meds aren’t utilized frequently enough or reliant on moisture content(esp when taking long drives through swamps/humid outdoor summer activities etc.)
Big dots mode – larger pill size causing more problems
Requires higher inspiratory force

Before we start tossing out inhaler recommendations willy-nilly, it’s important to consider the patient. Some possible factors that could affect inhaler selection include:

Patient Age

As patients age their lung function decreases and finding just right device accommodating this is crucial.

Smoking habits

Patients who smoke should use DPIs as MDIs require more hand-eye coordination which may pose a problem for long term smokers.

Type of COPD or Asthma

It’s important for doctors to verify which kind of asthma /COPD patient has contracted would assist in perfect dosage calculations hence utilizing phones applications/appointments with specialists ends up quite profound in providing healthcare management assistance ._

While each person with COPD will have different needs, there are some general recommendations when it comes to choosing an inhaler:

• For younger people or those with good motor skills – MDIs provide quick relief.
• For older adults who struggle with dexterity – Dry powder inhalers can be easier to use.
• While nebulizers can sometimes take longer than other types they may end up best option particularly triggered after severe continuous coughing episodes.

Choosing the right inhaler isn’t something you want to leave up to chance. Talk your specialist if any clarifications required about diseases/ medications options most suitable for your needs accordingly since customized manageable plan might work well over time ensuring better health generally seen through better disease control limiting expenses especially during retirement periods whilst staying fiscally viable_