How do I Choose the Best Inhaler for Bronchitis?

Choosing the best inhaler for bronchitis is usually a matter of understanding your diagnosis, learning about the options, and talking to your healthcare provider about what might work best for you. There are usually two different sorts of inhalers to choose from, namely those that are powder-based and those that are liquefied. Both have generally good results, but one may be better than the other for you — or you may find that neither is a good fit. Inhaling steam is an at-home remedy that works for many people and doesn’t require a prescription.

There are typically two different sorts of inhalers that can be prescribed for bronchitis, and understanding the basics of each might help you make the best choice. A “metered dose” inhaler is one of the most common, and is typically the best way to deliver a liquefied, mist-based type of medication that can help soothe your bronchial passages. The alternative prepares an active powder for inhalation.

Metered dose devices are very similar to the inhalers used by asthma patients, and usually involve holding a small tube or pump a short distance from your mouth or placing it inside your mouth while pumping a carefully measured dose of bronchitis medication inside. You then slowly inhale the medication, remove the device from your mouth, and hold the medicine inside your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling. This process might be repeated as directed. If you find this inhaler to be easy to use and effective, it might be the best one for you to choose.

A dry powder inhaler is breath-controlled rather than manually pumped; you start by loading medicated powder into a small disc or plate, then slowly “puffing” it just outside of your mouth. When the powder is released, usually with a button or trigger, you inhale it. You have to be very careful under this system not to exhale into the device, however, because any moisture from your breath can cause medication to cling to the sides of the inhaler and interrupt the dosage amounts of future uses.

Your choice might also depend on the severity of your condition, as well as how long it has lasted. Bronchitis is characterized by a swelling of the bronchial tubes, which enable a person to breathe freely; when these tubes become inflamed, coughing, wheezing, and a shortness of breath often follow. The initial swelling usually is caused by an infection or by an irritant, such as cigarette smoke or pollution.

Bronchitis generally falls into one of two distinct categories, depending on how frequently it occurs. Acute bronchitis occurs after a respiratory infection and generally lasts for a few weeks, whereas and chronic bronchitis is a continual affliction. People suffering from the chronic form often find that a metered dose inhaler is easier to use simply because it travels well and is less prone to errors when used repeatedly over time, but not always. A lot of this depends on the individual patient.

When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to get the opinion of your primary care provider when choosing an inhaler for bronchitis. Doctors, nurses, and medical assistants who treat many patients often have a better sense of what works for people in your situation and what doesn’t, and will probably have some suggestions that will help you make your decision. Some inhalers require a prescription, which means that a medical professional will probably be involved at some step. Showing an interest in your options and understanding what’s available can help you and your care provider make the best possible choice.

Inhalers typically dispense medication, which makes proper dosing a pressing concern. It’s important that you read the instructions accompanying whichever inhaler you choose, and following them precisely is often essential to getting all of the intended benefits. If you don’t see improvement in your condition after a few weeks of use, it’s usually a good idea to make an appointment for an evaluation and either get a stronger dose of medication of strategize a new treatment plan.

Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be able to make your own inhaler at home using steam. Steam treatments do not require a prescription or even a particular medication in most cases. You can inhale the steam from boiling water or a vaporizer; holding your head over a hot cup of tea or a sink filled with steaming hot water might also work, and is a very low-cost, at-home option. Many people find that draping the head with a towel will help trap the warm, moist air. This may be the best choice if your condition is not severe, you are wary of medications, or you’d simply like to see if you can clear things up on your own. If things don’t improve, though, it’s usually a good idea to get medical help.