Over The Counter Meds For Asthma Inhaler

Over the counter medications for asthma are generally discouraged.

Over the counter meds for asthma inhaler. A metered dose inhaler is the most commonly used type of inhaler. Nasal congestion and airway irritation are both associated with asthma. Over the counter inhaler products are designed to treat the symptoms of either asthma or bronchitis. The available over the counter otc medications treat bronchospasm primarily and have little if any effect on airway inflammation.

This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice diagnosis or treatment. In fact organizations such as the american college of asthma allergy immunology the american association for respiratory care the american thoracic society and the national association for medical direction of respiratory care do not want otc inhalers. Discontinue over the counter asthma medications if symptoms persist 1 according to quick care symptoms that should be addressed by a physician include shortness of breath during periods of rest sleeping problems from excessive coughing and breathing troubles that lead to chest wall retraction 2 the aafa cautions asthmatics from treating symptoms on their own with over the counter drugs 1. Otc asthma inhalers are typically not recommended as a replacement for prescription asthma treatment.

A steam inhaler is an over the counter product that can sometimes be beneficial for asthma suffers. They are for the most part considered viable only for treating mild intermittent asthma. In addition to traditional asthma inhalers over the counter otc inhalers and medications are available that could also help with asthma symptoms. Because steam inhalers warm and add moisture to the air asthmatics may find some relief from these symptoms making breathing feel more comfortable.

Data sources include ibm watson micromedex updated 2 sep 2020 cerner multum updated 1 sep 2020 wolters kluwer updated. You should talk to a doctor about your asthma symptoms and follow her treatment guidelines. Robin s use of this type of inhaler called an over the counter or otc asthma inhaler is how these medicines should be used occasionally and only for mild asthma according to a special report. The inhalers intended for asthma contain epinephrine and ephedrine.