If you have asthma and you experience a sudden attack (known as an acute attack), your doctor may prescribe you with an inhaler. These devices allow you to inhale fast-acting medication directly into your lungs, which helps control and ease your breathing almost immediately. Inhalers are not only more convenient to use than other asthma medications, but they’re also easy to buy over the counter at Boots.
There are two types of inhalers: metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and reservoir inhalers. The type that your doctor prescribes will depend on what specific medication you need at a given time. Keep reading to find out whether or not you can buy asthma inhalers over the counter at Boots and how these devices work to help manage your asthma attacks.
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What is an inhaler?
An inhaler is a portable device that delivers medication directly into your lungs. You use this device whenever you have an asthma attack. Inhalers come in many different types and can deliver medication in a variety of ways. Some are as simple as a mouthpiece that you squeeze, while others have a complex setup that delivers medication with a propellant.
The most common types of inhalers you can buy over the counter at Boots are MDIs and reservoir inhalers. With these devices, you place the medication inside a sealed canister and inhale the vaporized medication through a mouthpiece.
There are also nebulizers, which use either a compressor or a fan to push the medication through a mask that’s placed over your mouth and nose. Nebulizers are typically used in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.
Can you buy asthma inhalers over the counter at Boots?
Yes, you can. Over-the-counter asthma inhalers contain the same ingredients found in the prescription versions. You can buy them at a variety of different locations, including your local pharmacy. However, you should always check with your doctor before using an over-the-counter asthma inhaler. Even though these inhalers are available for purchase without a prescription, they can still have side effects.
These include dizziness, headache, irritation, or dry mouth. You can minimize these side effects by following the instructions on the inhaler and resting in between uses. Your doctor can also recommend some natural ways to minimize these side effects, such as chewing gum or drinking plenty of water.
How do inhalers work?
Inhalers work by delivering medication directly into the lungs. The medication that is used in inhalers is usually fast-acting and short-term. This means that it works to ease your breathing almost immediately. Fast-acting medication is used in cases of acute asthma attacks.
Inhalers work by opening up the airways in your lungs. There are two ways that this happens:
- Some medications are incredibly sticky and will stick to the inside of your lungs. This helps clear up your lungs.
- Some medications will stop your lungs from contracting as strongly. This helps open up your airways so you can breathe easier.
Which type of inhaler should you choose?
The type of inhaler you choose will depend on your asthma symptoms and your doctor’s recommendations. If you have asthma, you should always have an inhaler on hand. You never know when your next attack will come. If you’re currently looking for inhalers at Boots, you can find all types of inhalers as over-the-counter medications.
If you have mild asthma and experience occasional symptoms, you can choose a quick-relief inhaler. These are designed to stop an attack within 15 minutes. If you have moderate asthma and experience symptoms more often, you can choose a preventative inhaler.
These are designed to reduce your symptoms before they become full-blown asthma attacks. If you have severe asthma and your symptoms are constant, you can choose a steroid inhaler. Steroids are effective at reducing inflammation in your lungs and helping you breathe easier.
Who should use an inhaler?
Anyone who has asthma can use an inhaler. This includes people of all ages. There are special types of inhalers for children and adults of all ages. If you have asthma, you should always have an inhaler on hand. You never know when your next attack will come. Make sure your inhaler is always properly stocked and ready to use in case of an emergency.
If you or your child has asthma and uses an inhaler, you should make sure you know how to properly use it. You should also make sure that you have an inhaler on hand whenever you leave the house. If you’re out and about, you never know when an attack will come.
