What Are Salbutamol Inhalers? How to Use Them Properly
Respiratory health problems are a common issue for many people, with over 12% of the UK population suffering from diagnosed asthma.
This means you are not alone in wondering which type of inhaler is the best treatment for your respiratory health issues, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Whilst, unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma or COPD, treatments such as Salbutamol Inhalers offer an effective way to relieve symptoms as they occur.
As one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for people with asthma, Salbutamol Inhalers help many people control respiratory issues, allowing for a healthy and active lifestyle.
How a salbutamol inhaler works
Salbutamol Inhalers work to relieve asthma attacks and COPD symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing as they occur. As a type of bronchodilator, Salbutamol Inhalers work by opening up the airways in the lungs.
This makes it much easier to breathe and quickly relieves symptoms of restricted airflow, providing fast and effective treatment for asthma attacks.
Airways are opened and relaxed through the dosage of the active drug Salbutamol.
What is Salbutamol?
Salbutamol is a fast-acting β2 adrenergic receptor agonist, a type of drug that relaxes the muscles in the airway.
This active drug is quickly absorbed through the airways upon inhalation, targeting smooth muscles along the air passage to relieve pressure.
How to use your Salbutamol inhaler
It's important to know how to use your Salbutamol Inhaler, since there are several types of inhaler devices used to treat asthma and COPD. These include reliever inhalers, preventer inhalers and combination inhalers. These different types are designed to target respiratory symptoms through different approaches.
The Salbutamol inhaler is a reliever inhaler, meaning you should use it immediately as asthma symptoms occur, rather than as a method to prevent future onsets of asthma.
To relieve asthma symptoms as they occur, it is recommended that you use your Salbutamol Inhaler by taking:
- 1 to 2 puffs of salbutamol when symptoms occur.
- no more than 4 uses within a 24 hour period.
This means it is important to carry your Salbutamol Inhaler on you at all times to ensure you are always prepared to treat an asthma attack, especially during periods of heightened activity or exercise.
If you are unsure of how to use a Salbutamol Inhaler or need advice on the right treatment for you, please start a consultation with our online doctor.
Taking Salbutamol during an asthma attack
When an asthma attack occurs, bring your Salbutamol Inhaler to your mouth with the mouthpiece facing you. Seal your lips around the mouthpiece, ensuring there are no air gaps.
Begin to breathe in slowly through your mouth, holding down on the inhaler's canister to activate the dose of Salbutamol. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply as you use your inhaler.
In the case of an asthma attack, a Salbutamol Inhaler can be used for up to 10 puffs. Allow for 30-second breaks between doses, shaking the inhaler before each use. This should relieve asthma symptoms and allow easier breathing.
Can you overdose on a Salbutamol Inhaler?
Overdose of Salbutamol is possible. In cases of Salbutamol Inhaler overdose, serious adverse effects can occur such as the onset of tremors, agitation, tachycardia (increased heart rate), hyperglycaemia, metabolic acidosis and hypokalaemia.
Only use Salbutamol Inhalers as prescribed by a doctor, who can advise on how to use your Salbutamol Inhaler safely.
In the case of Salbutamol overdose, seek immediate medical help by calling 999.
Salbutamol medical advice
The majority of Salbutamol Inhaler users show a positive response to treatment. However, if you do experience adverse reactions to Salbutamol, please seek medical advice from a GP.
Adverse reactions to Salbutamol may include an irregular heartbeat, muscle cramps, chest pain, dizziness or muscle pain.
Where to buy a Salbutamol Inhaler
Pharmacy Online's online doctor is able to prescribe Salbutamol Inhalers to suitable patients. Simply start a consultation to request your prescription.
From there, our online doctor prescribes the appropriate levels and dosage of Salbutamol, which is then delivered straight to your door.
It is recommended that you read the patient information leaflet before you buy a Salbutamol Inhaler.
