An asthma inhaler is a medical breakthrough, a handy device that can deliver a symptom-relieving, or preventive, dose of medication by inhalation. This device works with different mechanisms according to its type, and the doctor determines the appropriate type based on the condition of each patient, but what are the harms of the asthma inhaler? What are the common fears of asthma patients from chronic use? In this article the most important details, read the following lines.

What are asthma inhalers?

Before we get to know the harms of using an asthma inhaler, we must quickly get acquainted with the types of inhalers so that the picture becomes clear.

Asthma nebulizers include two main types, namely, emergency nebulizers – which are used in emergency situations during acute asthma attacks to relieve symptoms – and preventive nebulizers – which is the permanent treatment prescribed by a doctor, and they are specific types of medication prescribed according to the condition of each patient-, and preventive nebulizers differ in their types Depending on the method of obtaining the dose.

Asthma inhaler effects

Each type of inhaler has advantages and disadvantages, in addition to the different harms of asthma inhalers, according to the side effects of the drugs used. These harms include:

Harmful effects of an asthma inhaler

This type of asthma inhaler is fairly safe, and is necessary to treat severe asthma attacks, but it carries few side effects such as a racing heart for about one in 10 people.

You may notice this side effect when using more than recommended doses, however these symptoms are quick, and disappear quickly.

If you are concerned about these symptoms, you can contact your doctor. Regular asthma follow-up with the doctor and adherence to preventive doses to prevent asthma attacks are the best solutions to avoid this side effect.

Side effects of preventive asthma sprays

Although it is considered the safest way to avoid acute asthma attacks, there is still a possibility of side effects. However, the risk of these side effects decreases a lot with the small doses prescribed by the doctor, and the risk of acute attacks increases if preventive doses are not taken.

Many patients suffer from fears of the harms of prolonged use of inhalers for asthma, especially the side effects of cortisone with large doses. The following are some of the possible side effects of the drugs:

• Sore throat.
• Hoarseness
• Oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth).
• Osteoporosis, a possible side effect of corticosteroids.
• Bad dreams, mood changes, sleepwalking, anxiety.

Harmful effects of asthma inhalers for pregnant women

We all know that any medication taken during pregnancy carries some risks, and there are concerns about the presence of asthma medications for pregnant women, and the effect of these drugs on the fetus, especially cortisone taken by mouth, which has been linked to many damages, including the cleft lip of children, and preeclampsia, and gestational diabetes. Fortunately, these risks are much lower with inhaled corticosteroids, due to its much lower dose than pills.

In general, taking asthma treatments is much better than experiencing severe attacks, as breathing difficulties cause not enough oxygen to reach the fetus, and you should follow up regularly with your doctor to get the necessary doses as prescribed, and you should not stop medications or adjust doses on your own.

How to avoid side effects of asthma inhalers

Fortunately, there are several steps taken to avoid the side effects of inhalers, including the following:

• Use an appropriate type of inhaler and use the correct technique to get the dose effectively into the airways rather than building up in the mouth and throat.
• Rinse your mouth and rinse your mouth after getting the dose.
• Continuous follow-up with your doctor to make sure you get the right doses.
• Use the spacer tube with a metered-dose inhaler if needed.