What Is a Rescue Inhaler and When Should You Use It?

If you suffer from asthma or other respiratory conditions, you may have heard of a rescue inhaler. These handy devices are essential for many people with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other respiratory conditions that cause sudden breathing difficulties. But what exactly is a rescue inhaler, and how do you use it effectively? In this blog post, we'll explore the purpose of a rescue inhaler, how it works, and when to use it.

At Sylvania Pharmacy, we believe it's important to empower patients with knowledge to help manage their health. Understanding your rescue inhaler can make a significant difference in your ability to respond effectively in an emergency.

What Is a Rescue Inhaler?

A rescue inhaler, also known as a quick-relief or fast-acting inhaler, is a medication delivery device used to quickly relieve symptoms of asthma, COPD, or other conditions that cause shortness of breath, wheezing, or tightness in the chest. It contains bronchodilators, which are medications that help relax the muscles around your airways, making it easier to breathe.

Unlike long-term controllers that are used daily to prevent symptoms, rescue inhalers provide rapid relief during an asthma attack or sudden flare-up of COPD symptoms. They work quickly—usually within minutes—to open up the airways and reduce inflammation, allowing you to breathe more easily.

How Does a Rescue Inhaler Work?

The active ingredients in a rescue inhaler are designed to relax the muscles around the airways and open up the bronchial passages. By doing so, they improve airflow to the lungs and ease breathing. Some common active ingredients found in rescue inhalers include:

• Albuterol: This is the most common bronchodilator and is often prescribed for asthma and COPD. It helps open the airways quickly.

• Levalbuterol: This is another bronchodilator that is similar to albuterol but may cause fewer side effects for some patients.

• Ipratropium: Used less frequently than albuterol, ipratropium helps to open the airways by reducing muscle constriction in the lungs.

When you inhale the medication, it is delivered directly into your airways, where it can start to work quickly to relieve symptoms.

When Should You Use a Rescue Inhaler?

A rescue inhaler is meant to be used during an asthma attack or sudden breathing difficulty. Some common triggers for using a rescue inhaler include:

1. Wheezing or Shortness of Breath

If you begin to feel tightness in your chest, wheeze, or experience difficulty breathing, it could be a sign that your airways are constricted. Using your rescue inhaler as soon as you notice these symptoms can help prevent the condition from worsening.

2. Exercise-Induced Asthma

Some people with asthma experience symptoms triggered by physical activity. If you know that exercise triggers your asthma symptoms, you might use your rescue inhaler 15-30 minutes before exercising to prevent an attack.

3. Exposure to Allergens or Irritants

Certain allergens or irritants, such as pollen, pet dander, smoke, or strong odors, can trigger asthma symptoms. If you know you're going to be exposed to such triggers, it may be helpful to use your rescue inhaler as a preventive measure.

4. During an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack occurs when the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult to breathe. If you're having an asthma attack, using your rescue inhaler can help reduce symptoms and restore normal airflow.

5. Nighttime Symptoms

Some individuals experience asthma symptoms that worsen at night, leading to coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath while sleeping. If this occurs, using a rescue inhaler can help provide relief.

How to Use a Rescue Inhaler Correctly

Using a rescue inhaler correctly is essential to getting the full benefit of the medication. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using your rescue inhaler:

1. Shake the Inhaler

Before using your inhaler, shake it well to ensure the medication is evenly distributed.

2. Position the Inhaler

Hold the inhaler upright and place the mouthpiece between your lips. Make sure you're not blocking the holes with your teeth or tongue.

3. Breathe Out Fully

Take a deep breath and exhale completely to empty your lungs before inhaling the medication. This helps ensure that you have enough room in your lungs to fully inhale the medication.

4. Inhale While Pressing the Inhaler

While you begin to inhale slowly and deeply, press down on the inhaler to release the medication. Try to inhale deeply enough to get the medication deep into your lungs.

5. Hold Your Breath

After inhaling, hold your breath for about 10 seconds or as long as you comfortably can. This allows the medication to settle in your airways and begin working.

6. Repeat if Necessary

If your doctor has prescribed more than one puff, wait about 30 seconds to a minute between puffs before repeating the process.

7. Rinse Your Mouth

After using the inhaler, rinse your mouth with water, especially if the inhaler contains steroids (in case you are prescribed a combination inhaler). This helps prevent irritation or infection in the mouth and throat.

When Should You Seek Emergency Help?

If you use your rescue inhaler and do not feel relief or if your symptoms worsen despite repeated use, it is important to seek emergency medical attention immediately. You may need additional treatments, such as oral steroids or a different medication, to help manage the attack.

Some signs that you should seek emergency help include:

• Severe shortness of breath that doesn't improve with medication

• Blue lips or face, indicating a lack of oxygen

• Inability to speak in full sentences due to breathlessness

• Rapid breathing or chest pain

Conclusion

A rescue inhaler is an essential tool for managing asthma and other respiratory conditions. It provides fast relief when you experience shortness of breath or an asthma attack. By knowing how to use it correctly and when to seek help, you can manage your symptoms more effectively.

At Sylvania Pharmacy, we are committed to supporting your health and ensuring you understand the medications you rely on. If you have any questions about your rescue inhaler or other respiratory treatments, don't hesitate to reach out to our pharmacy team. We're here to help you breathe easier!