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When it's work just to breathe
Breathing is so automatic for most of us that it happens without our even thinking about it. But people suffering from asthma can never take simply inhaling and exhaling for granted. Coming up short of breath can be a terrifying experience.
An asthma attack often begins with a dry cough and can progress with varying degrees of severity -- from minor wheezing to life-threatening constriction of air passages.
For mild asthma symptoms, over-the-counter medications can provide relief (moderate to severe asthma usually requires treatment with prescription drugs). Bronchodilators which contain epinephrine offer quick relief from asthma attacks. Ahh, a breath of fresh air ...
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Take a Deep Breath
Because asthma is a life-threatening condition, the FDA has made epinephrine -- a potent medication -- available to asthmatics in over-the-counter form. Asthma sufferers need to be informed and responsible when self-medicating.
- Check with your doctor before mixing prescribed and over-the-counter asthma medications.
- Take only dosages approved by your doctor.
- Make sure you know how to use the inhaler; children and the elderly especially need to receive clear instructions and practice proper technique before independent use.
- Keep medications away from children.
- Women should avoid taking asthma medications during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Always consult a physician about the most appropriate way to control asthma in these cases.
- Older asthmatic patients may be more sensitive to the medication.
Be Alert to Potential Problems
Asthma medications may exaggerate or complicate preexisting conditions. Do not use inhalers without first consulting your physician if you have any of the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disease
- Heart disease
- Parkinson's disease or a history of seizures
- Difficulty urinating
- An enlarged prostate
Help yourself. Keep a journal and look for these typical triggers that can lead to an asthma attack:
- Exposure to such environmental allergens as pollen, dust, mold, animal dander, feathers, certain types of textiles, detergents, petrochemicals, air pollution, and smoke.
- Food allergies; likely candidates include wheat, milk, and eggs.
- Chemical additives like food coloring and preservatives
- Sensitivity to aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen), beta-blockers, and cholinergic drugs -- used to promote bladder contraction and as eye drops for glaucoma.
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Rapid temperature changes: going from hot to cold, or from cold to hot
- Long-term aerobic exercise
Healthy Habits
Care for your inhaler:
- Store your inhaler at room temperature and away from excessive heat.
- Wash and rinse the mouthpiece daily.
- Do not puncture it or throw it away into fire or incinerators.
- If your canister freezes, allow it to defrost to room temperature before using it again.
Between asthma attacks, asthmatics are often healthy and lead normal lives. In fact, in the 1972 Summer Olympics, five of the gold medalists in the swimming events were asthmatics. Teddy Roosevelt used to drink tea to help relieve his asthma. Other home remedies you can try for relieving symptoms include the following:
- Relaxation techniques
- Breathing steam
- Drinking plenty of fluids
The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program provides a list of educational material and services available to asthma patients; contact them for training and advice.
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Bronchodilators (epinephrine)
Opens the lung airways of an asthmatic and relieves the spasms associated with an asthma attack. Relaxes the smooth muscle of the lungs to widen the air passages. Inhaled bronchodilators (epinephrine) work faster than orally taken bronchodilators (ephedrine) and have fewer side effects. However, inhalers do not provide relief for as long as pills.
| Bronchodilators (Epinephrine) | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Epinephrine | ? | Safe if inhaled, but can cause hypertension, nervousness, tremors, and sleeplessness. Appears to reduce nasal congestion quickly when taken in high doses. |
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FDA-Approved Uses
Bronchodilator (epinephrine)
- For temporary relief of shortness of breath, tightness of chest, and wheezing due to bronchial asthma.
Ask Your Doctor- Asthma needs to be diagnosed by a physician.
- Epinephrine is only effective for mild asthma. If you have moderate to severe asthma you may require stronger medications.
- Do not self-medicate for asthma. Consult your physician to determine the best medication regimen.
Using Your Inhaler- Shake your inhaler.
- Open your inhaler and inspect the mouthpiece to make sure it is clear of harmful particles or loose parts you might accidentally inhale.
- Exhale fully.
- Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece. Or, if you prefer, you may position the inhaler one to two inches away from your open mouth. Using this technique with prescription steroid inhalers reduces the likelihood that steroid medication will contact the back of the throat and cause a fungal infection after extended use.
- Depress the canister and inhale slowly at the same time.
- After inhaling the medication, remove the inhaler and hold your breath as long as you can, or for up to 10 seconds.
- Exhale slowly while keeping your mouth nearly closed.
- If symptoms are not reduced after one to five minutes, one more inhalation is allowed.
- In general, do not use more than once every three hours. However, specific directions for different inhalers may vary. Check directions for each individual product.
- If using prescription steroid inhalers, swish water around your mouth afterwards to prevent dryness as well as yeast infections. (Yeast infections are more common when using steroid inhalers.)
- Clean your inhaler once per day. Disassemble the inhaler and rinse mouthpieces and cap in warm water. Dry the parts and reassemble the inhaler.
- Consult a physician if you intend to use inhalers on children under age 6.
Using Your Nebulizer- Assemble your nebulizer according to manufacturer instructions. Make sure that your hands and the nebulizer are clean.
- Check that you have the correct dose of medication, and ensure that all tubes are tightly connected.
- Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and put your lips around it. Turn the machine on.
- Breathe out through your nose.
- If there is a finger valve, cover the hole to start the flow of mist. If there is no finger valve, the mist will form continuously.
- Inhale gently for three to five seconds. Release the finger valve if there is one.
- Repeat this inhalation and exhalation process until all the medication is used.
- Check occasionally to see that the medication is reaching the nebulizer.
- Consult a physician if you intend to use a nebulizer on children under age 6.
Considerations for Seniors and Children- Seniors may not respond as well to asthma medications as younger adults.
- Some seniors may have difficulty administering the proper dose from inhalers. They may have diminished mental abilities or poor manual dexterity, improper interpretation of instructions from poor eyesight, or lack of education on how to use inhalers.
- Children under age 5 might have difficulty using an inhaler properly.
- Nebulizers and spacers should be used for people who have difficulty using inhalers.
- A spacer is a device that attaches to inhalers. It helps maximize the amount of medication inhaled, ensures the proper inhalation technique (only on some models), and reduces the chances of a user developing an oral fungal infection. Spacers are only available with a prescription.
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Warnings
Bronchodilator (epinephrine)
Consult a physician before using or do not use if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Parkinson's disease
- Thyroid disease
- Difficulty urinating or an enlarged prostate
- History of seizures
Or if you:
- Are a pregnant or nursing mother
- Are a senior; you may require a lower dosage
- Do not have symptom relief within 20 minutes or the symptoms worsen after using product
- Experience continued nervousness, tremor, sleeplessness, nausea, or loss of appetite
- Have not been diagnosed for asthma by a doctor
- Plan to use product more frequently or at doses higher than recommended; this may lead to cardiac arrest
Or if you are taking:
- Beta blockers, such as:
- Atenolol (Tenormin): may affect epinephrine effects
- Metoprolol (Lopressor): may affect epinephrine effects
Common Side Effects
Bronchodilator (epinephrine)
- Nervousness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Restlessness
Infrequent to Rare Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth or throat
- Flushing
- Headache
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Weakness
- Tremor
Effects of Overdose
- Severe agitation or seizure
- Rapid and irregular heartbeat
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
What to Do in Case of Overdose
- If you suspect that you or someone you know has taken an overdose of this medication, immediately STOP USING THE MEDICATION and SEEK MEDICAL HELP.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Government Sources
- 1. Food & Drug Administration. Federal Register 10/2/86.
- 2. Food & Drug Administration. Federal Register 10/20/93.
- 3. Food & Drug Administration. Federal Register 5/20/96.
Books
- 1. Covington, TR et al. Handbook of Non-Prescription Drugs, Eleventh Ed. American Pharmaceutical Assoc. Washington, DC 1996.
- 2. Kastrup EK et al. Drug Facts and Comparisons. Facts and Comparisons.
- 3. Inlander, CB and Slamans, S.The Over-the-Counter Doctor. Cader Books. New York, NY 1997.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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