How Does an Asthma Inhaler Work?

Millions of people rely on asthma inhalers everyday to assist the functioning of their respiratory systems as it regulates their breathing, but many of these people do not know how the asthma pump actually works. Learning how an asthma inhaler works will ensure its proper use and can even save your life.

Asthma occurs when the airways are inflamed, causing panting, coughing and obstructed breathing.  Several million people suffer from this disease that can be both inherited and developed through lifestyle choices.  The asthma pump, also called a metered-dose inhaler, was developed in 1955 by Riker laboratories.  The design delivers the perfect dosage of medicine to the victim to alleviate pain.  Asthma sufferers frequently carry an inhaler on their person for emergencies but seldom understand just how the asthma inhaler relieves their symptoms.  Here's how an asthma inhaler works:

1. The asthma pump is a small cylindrical object that contains a medicinal chamber in its center.  This compartment holds an aerosolized medication such as salbutamol, which is a fast acting asthma reliever that is inhaled directly into the lungs.


2. An asthma attack is normally preceded by chest-tightening, dizziness and tension in the head and neck area.  When these symptoms are felt the individual grabs their asthma pump and releases a short burst of the medicine contained within it into their mouth, literally gulping the substance down into their lungs.


3. The salbutamol, or a similar substance, reaches the airway within seconds and begins relieving the chest pressure.  If results are not achieved quickly enough the individual can release another burst of medicine to speed up the results.


4. Because the medicine within the asthma inhaler is contained within a pressurized pump, the contents burst out into the mouth and reach the lungs quickly, delivering relief within a few moments.

Asthma is often a lifelong disease that must be monitored and managed.  Asthma patients are able to enjoy longevity and an improved quality of life thanks to the miracle of the asthma inhaler.