Asthma inhaler
Asthma sprays are an important part of the therapy of bronchial asthma. A distinction is made between long-term medication (controllers) and short-term medication (relievers). Usually, the medication is administered in the form of an asthma spray.
However, there are some small but subtle differences. Dosing aerosols (classic asthma spray) e.g. Respimat: With this form of asthma spray, the medication is automatically finely distributed during the spraying process. The patient has to press the trigger and breathe in at the same time during the application.
To make this process easier, there is an inhalation aid (spacer) for patients who find it difficult (especially children), which is attached before the asthma spray. Powder inhalers e.g. Novolizer: With this form of asthma spray, the spray is not automatic, but is triggered by the inhalation process. This form is easier for most patients to perform.
With both forms, it is important to hold the air for at least 10 seconds after inhalation to ensure that the active ingredient can take full effect. The way individual asthma sprays work can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, so that patients should always ask their pharmacist or doctor to explain the correct inhalation technique.
- Metered-dose inhalers (classic asthma spray) e.g. Respimat: With this form of asthma spray, the medication is automatically finely distributed during the spraying process.
The patient has to press the trigger and breathe in at the same time during the application. To make this process easier, there is an inhalation aid (spacer) for patients who find it difficult (especially children), which is attached before the asthma spray.
- Powder inhalers e.g. Novolizer: With this form of asthma spray, the spray is not automatic, but is triggered by the inhalation process. This form is easier for most patients to perform.
Asthma and sports
Sport is quite useful in the treatment of asthma and a good addition to the therapy, if you pay attention to some important things. Although many asthmatics quickly reach their limits during physical exertion and symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing and whistling noises when breathing occur, regular exercise has a positive effect on the disease. Training increases endurance, so that patients are more resilient overall.
It is important to increase the training slowly in order not to overstrain your body and avoid unwanted reactions.Endurance sports such as swimming, hiking, running or cycling are particularly suitable for this purpose. Also certain weight training, which is designed above all to improve posture and strengthen the respiratory muscles, is a good therapy supplement. Asthmatics, on the other hand, should avoid sports that involve many changes between resting and stress phases, as this can unnecessarily irritate the bronchial tubes and even increase stress asthma. Overall, the level of sporting activity should always be based on the individual severity of the illness and should be discussed with a doctor.
