Inhalers are a type of asthma medicine that is used to help people with Asthma breathe more easily. It is not uncommon for someone without Asthma to use an inhaler, although it is bad to do so.
In this blog post we will discuss the various reasons why it is bad to use an inhaler if you don’t have Asthma and how you can utilize some alternate devices like AirPhysio.
Despite being effective as asthma medication, taking inhalers without asthma may result in an array of side effects in advanced users. Frequent inhalation of high dose asthma drugs can cause headache, nausea, palpitation, insomnia, and even serious manifestations like tremor or anxiety disorder. So, it’s better not to use inhalers when you don’t need them.
What Is An Inhaler Used For?
An inhaler is a type of drug preparation that is made to make breathing easier for people who have Asthma. It consists of aerosolized medication that is usually inhaled at the beginning of an Asthma attack. The medication is typically a bronchodilator, which opens up airways to make breathing easier and can also be used for quick relief of asthma symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing.
The most common drug that is used in an inhaler is Salmeterol, which is a long-acting beta-agonist that works as a bronchodilator by relaxing and opening air passages in the lung. Salmeterol helps in preventing bronchospasm and is a good choice for people who have Asthma.
Some inhalers also have steroids (Such as Fruticasone) in combination with beta-agonists which further helps in preventing asthma symptoms. According to the Asthma Foundation, there are several other types of inhalers available in the market. These include Isotretinoin (Accutane), Zileuton, Cromolyn Sodium, and Nedocromil.
How Does An Inhaler Work?
The mechanism of an inhaler is pretty simple, as it works just like a nebulizer. It contains the medication as an aerosol, which is then released into the airway and allows your lungs to absorb it quickly.
As for drugs, the beta-agonists work at receptor sites in the lungs and cause muscles surrounding these airways to relax, which then makes it easier for a person with Asthma to breathe. That is why they’re called bronchodilators. Also, there are some beta-agonists that work at receptor sites in the brain, which is why they can also be used for treating heart problems.
On the other hand, the inhaled steroid in the preparation reduces inflammation and swelling of the airways, which further helps in making it easier to breathe. It also reduces mucus production and helps prevent Asthma attacks by controlling or suppressing immune system response that triggers asthma symptoms.
According to Asthma UK, inhalers are the most effective form of drug delivery for people with Asthma as it allows them to be absorbed more quickly into your system. In addition, there is also a significant advantage that comes from using an inhaler over taking pills orally – you can get relief from asthma symptoms almost immediately after use.
Is It Bad To Use An Inhaler Without Asthma
Although inhalers are effective Asthma medications, it is bad to use them if you don’t have Asthma. This is because the drug content in your system can cause severe side effects and even be fatal at times.
Although most people who use an inhaler for non-Asthmatic purposes experience only mild symptoms like headache or tremor, advanced users can suffer from more serious problems such as heart irregularities, palpitations, tremors, etc., which might need emergency medical treatment.
Moreover using these drugs without the supervision of a doctor may also increase the risk of developing secondary conditions that further complicate matters.
Using Isotretinoin inhalers is not recommended since Isotretinoin is a teratogenic drug and can cause serious birth defects when used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Isotretinoin is also known to cause severe side effects in some cases, which includes psychiatric conditions like depression and psychosis.
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation, the most common side effects that you may experience from using an Isotretinoin inhaler include:
- Tremors
- Muscle cramps and stiffness
- Worsening of anxiety or depression symptoms
- Palpitations or rapid heartbeats
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
As for people who use inhalers with beta-agonists regularly, it can lead to the development of tolerance that may require them to take high doses of medication in order to get relief from asthma symptoms. Due to this reason, it is necessary that you consult your doctor before using an inhaler so they can monitor your progress closely during the treatment.
How To Know If You Need Inhaler
In order to determine whether you need an inhaler or not, it is necessary that you get a proper Asthma diagnosis from your doctor. Once they have diagnosed you with Asthma and prescribed an Isotretinoin inhaler, be sure to follow their instructions carefully so as to prevent any adverse effects while using the medication.
How To Increase Lung Functions Without Inhalers
However, if after reading this article you feel like Isotretinoin inhalers are too risky for regular use without a prescription then there are some natural methods available in the market which may help to increase your lung function. These include:
- Proper breathing exercises, which can be performed with the help of a breathing coach. Or, you can do it yourself by using an OPEP (Oscillating Positive Expiratory Pressure) device or a breath training device such as AirPhysio. AirPhysio helps you to learn how to breathe by using a special breathing technique.
- Airway clearance techniques are also another effective method of strengthening lungs and airways. These include methods like the “Throat Mover” where you have to forcefully push your tongue on the roof of the mouth while taking deep breaths, or else use an electric toothbrush on the throat in order to loosen mucus so that it can be expelled out easily during coughing fits.
- You can try out some natural remedies like taking steam inhalation or using a saline nasal spray. Steam inhalation is indeed an effective method and in this video you’ll see why—
- You can also try using some essential oils like Eucalyptus or Peppermint, which help in opening up the airways and increasing lung capacity. According to some research, the inhalation of essential oils using Isotretinoin nebulizers can be quite beneficial in relieving asthma symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Inhalers are indeed a lifesaver when you have severe attacks of asthma, but you obviously need to know everything before you use one. Here we are answering some questions about inhalers—
Can I use an inhaler for shortness of breath?
You can use an inhaler while facing breathlessness if you have certain conditions like asthma, COPD or chronic bronchitis. If you’re not diagnosed with such conditions, you should refrain from using it.
Do inhalers damage lungs?
Inhalers usually don’t damage lungs, but a long term usage of it may develop dependence on that particular drug. As a result, you may encounter severe bronchoconstriction if you suddenly stop the inhaler.
Are inhalers only for asthma?
Although inhalers are most commonly used for asthma, they are prescribed for some diseases like COPD and emphysema too. If you really need an inhaler, your doctor will definitely suggest it.
How can you get rid of asthma without an inhaler?
The most effective way to get rid of asthma without an inhaler is keeping away from the allergens. These allergens are the main culprit for causing asthma, and preventing exposure to it can effectively lower the frequency of attacks.
Do asthma inhalers weaken the immune system?
Some drugs in asthma inhalers tend to weaken the immune system through their immunosuppressive mechanism, such as Steroids or Albuterol. This increases the risk of opportunistic infections such as oral thrush or candidiasis.
Bottom Line
Inhalers are a magic wand for Asthmatics, but Isotretinoin inhalers can cause severe side effects in some cases. So, if you don’t have asthma, it’s better not to use any inhaler regularly, since it can further deteriorate your condition. As a safer alternative, you can go for AirPhysio breathing exercises or some natural treatments to increase your lung function. That way, you’ll be able to breathe easy and alleviate breathlessness harmlessly. Happy breathing!