Tips on using inhalers

Targeting the respiratory tract
Conventional inhalers have one common denominator: they are able to process the inhalate electrically or mechanically in such a way that it reaches the airways as quickly and specifically as possible. There is now a large number of devices that differ greatly in their appearance, size and technical parts.

Symptoms and medical advice
When selecting an inhaler, its purpose is the most important factor, and medical advice is definitely required. Some inhalers, such as powder inhalers, are particularly useful for treating asthma, but can also be used for chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is characterized by severe coughing and sputum. Others, such as compressor inhalers or ultrasound nebulizers, can be filled with a saline solution and used to relieve dry coughs, nasal sinus problems or hay fever.

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs)
Powder inhalers are usually very small and handy, enabling asthmatics to simply take their therapy device anywhere they go. Sometimes, it is necessary to shake the small device vigorously before use. Many powder inhalers are held upside down during use, during which the lips should be closed firmly around the mouthpiece. Pressing the inhaler releases the dose, which then enters the respiratory tract when the user inhales. Then the user just briefly holds their breath and then slowly exhales through the nose.

Compressor Inhalers
Other inhalers or nebulizers for home use primarily differ in the technique by which they generate an aerosol and transport it into the airways. Compressor inhalers do as their name suggests; they generate compressed air that passes through the medication producing a very fine mist. The microscopic water droplets and active ingredients can reach deep into the respiratory tract.

Connection parts and filters
A nebulizer can be attached to a compressor inhaler, which can be removed and cleaned along with the hose, the mouthpiece or the mask after each application. Compressor inhalers are also equipped with an air filter, which needs to be changed after a certain number of operating hours as specified in the operating instructions.

Vibrating membrane inhalers
In addition to the compressor and compressed air technology, there are now devices that employ vibration as the delivery method. Through ultrasonic technology or use of a vibrating membrane technology, these devices cause significantly less noise and are therefore beneficial for the treatment of children, particularly as they are not as heavy as compressor inhalers. Devices based on vibration membrane technology also have the advantage of a much shorter treatment time.

Ultrasonic inhalers
In an ultrasound inhaler that employs micro-membrane nebulization, the fluid is vibrated in such a way that the inhalate’s active ingredients dissolve and pass via an air hose to reach the mouthpiece or the mask for delivery into the airways. These types of device have lower power consumption and a few battery-powered variants are also available (ideal for on the go).

Pay attention to hygiene
Regardless of which system you ultimately decide on, thorough cleaning and disinfection of washable parts is an important requirement, otherwise, germs can spread and lead to high risks of infection. The parts should be washed and disinfected according to the instructions in the user manual. It is usually sufficient to clean them in warm tap water and a little bit of detergent, followed by thorough rinsing. Boiling water can be used for disinfection by simply soaking the individual parts in it for 5 minutes.