Introduction:
Bronchitis is a common respiratory condition that causes inflammation and irritation in the bronchial tubes. This can lead to persistent coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. While bronchitis often resolves on its own, the coughing can last for weeks and make it hard to get adequate rest. If home remedies aren’t providing enough relief, visiting a pharmacy like CVS to pick up an inhaler can help manage bronchitis symptoms. This article will discuss the Relief from Bronchitis with Inhalers from CVS
What is Bronchitis?
Bronchitis refers to inflammation of the bronchi, which are the two large airways that branch off from the windpipe and lead into the lungs.
Causes of acute bronchitis include viral or bacterial infections, exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or pollution, sinus infections, and allergies. Chronic bronchitis, on the other hand, is most commonly caused by smoking cigarettes. Other risk factors include air pollution, chemical fumes, dust, and repeated exposure to respiratory infections.
Symptoms of Bronchitis:
- Coughing up mucus
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Low fever
- Fatigue
- Sore throat
The cough caused by bronchitis can persist for weeks after other symptoms have improved. This extended cough is the body’s way of trying to expel mucus and irritants from the lungs. While bronchitis will usually resolve on its own, medications can help provide symptom relief.
Bronchitis Inhalers Available at CVS:
- Short-Acting Bronchodilators
Short-acting bronchodilators work quickly to relax the muscles around the airways. This helps open the airways and make breathing easier. Common short-acting bronchodilators available over-the-counter at CVS include:
- Albuterol – Brand name ProAir or Proventil
- Levalbuterol – Brand name Xopenex HFA
These quick relief inhalers provide relief for a few hours and can be used as needed for sudden symptoms. The inhaler dispensers are compact and portable.
- Combination Inhalers
Combination inhalers contain both a bronchodilator to relax airway muscles and a corticosteroid to reduce inflammation. The steroid helps control persistent cough symptoms. Combination inhalers available at CVS include:
- Albuterol/Budesonide – Brand name Combivent Respimat
- Formoterol/Budesonide – Brand name Symbicort
- Salmeterol/Fluticasone – Brand name Advair HFA
These combination inhalers need to be used regularly, even when you are feeling well, to manage bronchitis symptoms. It may take a week or two to get the full effects.
- Steroid Inhalers
Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways which can help improve cough symptoms. Common steroid inhalers include:
- Beclomethasone – Brand name Qvar RediHaler
- Budesonide – Brand name Pulmicort Flexhaler
- Ciclesonide – Brand name Alvesco HFA
Steroid inhalers are often most effective when paired with a bronchodilator inhaler as needed for breathlessness. Used consistently as prescribed, steroid inhalers can reduce airway inflammation.
- Nebulizer Solutions
This delivers a higher dose more effectively into the lungs. Albuterol, Budesonide, and Ipratropium bromide nebulizer solutions can be purchased at CVS to use with a home nebulizer. A doctor’s prescription is required.
Tips for Effectively Using Bronchitis Inhalers
To ensure bronchitis inhalers are providing maximum symptom relief, follow these tips:
- Always follow the instructions provided with your inhaler device. There are many different kinds of inhalers with specific priming and usage steps.
- Use a spacer device with a pressurized metered dose inhaler. The spacer ensures more medication reaches your lungs rather than being sprayed in your mouth.
- Rinse your mouth after using steroid inhalers to avoid oral fungal infections. Do not swallow the water.
- Keep track of when you purchased your inhaler. Discard and replace them after the expiry date, usually after 3-6 months depending on type.
- Store inhalers properly to prevent damage and impaired function. Avoid excessive heat or cold.
- See your doctor if your symptoms worsen or your inhaler seems less effective so they can adjust your medications accordingly.
Using inhalers properly and consistently is key to managing bronchitis effectively. Consult a pharmacist or health care provider if you have any questions.
Conclusion:
Bronchitis is a common respiratory condition marked by coughing, wheezing, and chest discomfort. While acute cases often resolve in a few weeks, an inhaler from CVS can help provide symptom relief. The different inhaler options available include fast-acting bronchodilators, combination inhalers with steroids, and steroid-only inhalers. Using an inhaler as prescribed along with proper inhaler technique can help minimize disruptive bronchitis coughing fits. Speak with a pharmacist or health care provider to determine which inhaler is right for your bronchitis symptoms. With the right inhaler treatment, you can breathe easier until the bronchitis runs its course.