Bronchitis is a common respiratory condition that causes inflammation and irritation of the bronchial tubes. The main symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and production of mucus. While acute bronchitis usually resolves on its own within a few weeks, chronic bronchitis is a more serious long-term condition. Fortunately, bronchitis inhaler treatment can provide fast and effective relief.
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis causes swelling of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. This swelling then leads to coughing as your body tries to expel mucus and irritants from the lungs. Acute bronchitis often occurs after a viral respiratory infection, like the cold or flu. Symptoms usually last around 3 weeks.
Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is a persistent cough that lasts at least 3 months, for 2 years in a row. It’s commonly caused by inhaling lung irritants like cigarette smoke, pollution, or dust. Chronic bronchitis causes long-term inflammation and excess mucus in the lungs, which makes breathing very difficult.
Benefits of Using a Bronchitis Inhaler
Using an inhaler provides targeted delivery of medication right to the source of the problem – your inflamed bronchial tubes. Inhaled bronchitis medications include:
- Bronchodilators: these medications relax the muscles around your airways, opening them up to allow better airflow. Common bronchodilators are albuterol and levalbuterol.
- Corticosteroids: these help reduce inflammation in your airways to make breathing easier. Inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone and budesonide are commonly prescribed.
- Anticholinergics: these block acetylcholine, a chemical that triggers bronchial tube constriction. Ipratropium and tiotropium are two anticholinergics used for bronchitis treatment.
The major benefits of using an inhaler for bronchitis include:
- Faster symptom relief – inhaled medications start working within 5-15 minutes.
- Delivery directly to the lungs for maximum effect.
- Lower risk of side effects compared to oral medications.
- Prevents asthma flare-ups caused by bronchitis in asthmatic patients.
- More convenient and portable than nebulizers.
How to Use a Bronchitis Inhaler Correctly
Using your bronchitis inhaler properly is key to getting the most out of each dose. Here are some tips:
- Shake the inhaler well before each use to mix the medication.
- Attach the spacer if your inhaler requires one. This helps deliver more medication to your lungs.
- Stand up straight and breathe out fully to empty your lungs.
- Seal your lips tightly around the inhaler mouthpiece. Tilt your head back slightly.
- Press down on the canister to release one puff of medication as you inhale slowly and deeply.
- Hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medication to penetrate deeply into your lungs before exhaling.
- Wait 1 minute between puffs if your doctor prescribed multiple puffs per dose.
- Rinse your mouth out with water and spit after using corticosteroid inhalers to minimize side effects.
- Clean your inhaler weekly by removing the canister and rinsing the plastic casing and mouthpiece in warm water. Air dry thoroughly before reassembling.
Following these steps will maximize the effectiveness of your bronchitis inhaler treatment. Always read the patient information leaflet that comes with your inhaler for complete usage instructions.
Side Effects of Bronchitis Inhalers
While generally safe and well-tolerated when used as prescribed, bronchitis inhalers can sometimes cause side effects including:
- Cough or throat irritation after inhaling.
- Headache.
- Nausea.
- Mouth or throat yeast infection from corticosteroids.
- Increased heart rate from bronchodilators.
- Voice changes or oral thrush from anticholinergics.
Rinsing your mouth out after using your inhaler can help minimize side effects. Avoiding excessive doses of bronchodilators is also recommended to limit cardiovascular side effects. Speak with your doctor if any side effects persist or worsen.
Other Tips for Managing Bronchitis
While inhalers are effective for symptom relief, making certain lifestyle changes can further help you manage bronchitis:
- Drink plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin and easy to cough up.
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, which can soothe bronchial irritation.
- Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke, the top cause of chronic bronchitis.
- Reduce exposure to dust, chemicals, and pollution that trigger bronchial inflammation.
- Get a pneumonia vaccine and annual flu shot to avoid complications.
- Do breathing exercises like pursed-lip breathing to maximize airflow.
- Learn techniques like coughing or huffing to clear mucus.
Making the right lifestyle modifications along with properly using your bronchitis inhaler is key to successfully managing this respiratory ailment.
See Your Doctor If Symptoms Persist
While most cases of acute bronchitis will resolve in 3 weeks or so, it’s important to follow up with your doctor if your cough lingers longer than that. Seek medical care right away if you experience:
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Chest pain with coughing
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue, weakness, or swelling in your legs
These may be signs of pneumonia or other complications that require further treatment. People with chronic bronchitis should see their doctor for regular checkups as well.
Bronchitis Inhalers Provide Fast Relief
Bronchitis inhalers are an effective way to quickly open your airways and reduce inflammation when bronchitis strikes. By correctly using your prescribed inhaler and making supportive lifestyle changes, you can minimize your bronchitis symptoms and breathe easier. Just be sure to consult your doctor if you don’t experience improvement within a few weeks or if your condition suddenly worsens. With the right treatment approach, you can get bronchitis under control and get back to breathing freely again.
