Airflusal inhaler - How do bronchodilators help prevent asthma attack?
Airflusal Forspiro Inhalers are an inhaler medication used to treat the respiratory conditions asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). The inhalers contain two active ingredients called salmeterol and fluticasone. When combined together, these active ingredients become a type of medicine known as a bronchodilator. Bronchodilators help the airways and lungs stay open which prevents breathlessness and wheezing caused by COPD and asthma.
Airflusal inhalers are preventer inhalers that are used on a regular basis to reduce the chance of asthma and COPD symptoms happening. They aren’t suitable for sudden breathing problems so if you have an acute attack of breathlessness, you should use a reliever inhaler like Ventolin.
Asthma is a common lung condition that causes breathing difficulties. Affecting people of all ages and backgrounds, the symptoms of asthma may be persistent or only happen occasionally. There’s no cure for asthma but it can be managed effectively with medications.
What is COPD?
COPD is the term used for a group of lung conditions that cause breathing difficulties, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It usually starts in middle age and is most common in people who have a history of smoking. The symptoms will get worse over time.
How to Use an Airflusal Inhaler
Airflusal inhalers are an effective treatment for asthma and can be used in the long-term for the management of asthma symptoms. This is just a general guide because you should always use medications exactly as your pharmacist or doctor has advised.
● For asthma, adults and children should take one inhalation twice per day.
● For COPD, adults should have one inhalation twice a day.
Your dose will be either in the morning or evening, usually depending on when your symptoms tend to be worse. When you use your Airflusal inhaler will depend on your circumstances but it’s usually advised to use it just before meals. Be sure to rinse your mouth out with water afterward to prevent thrush or symptoms like a sore throat.
Even if your symptoms start to improve, you should continue using your inhaler as advised unless your doctor recommends a change in your dosage. Your GP may want to reduce your dose to once per day if your symptoms start to improve.
Your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to use your inhaler and make periodic checks to ensure it’s still in good working order. Each inhaler has 60 doses of powdered medicine with a dose counter to let you know how many are left. Once you use the final dose, you’ll need to replace your inhaler with a new one.
Using the Inhaler:
● Open the clear side chamber of the inhaler.
● Cut the aluminium strip protruding from the side chamber by carefully pulling the strip against the "teeth" of the side chamber as shown below. Do not pull or pull it hard.
● Close the side chamber and discard the used strip.
Important: As the inhaler is used, the side chamber is gradually filled with the used aluminium strip. Aluminium strips with black lines do not contain medication. Eventually, the numbered sections of the strip will appear in the side chamber. There should never be more than 2 sections of the aluminium strip in the side chamber as this can cause the inhaler to jam. The excess strip should be carefully cut and left in a safe place.
● Hold the inhaler with your hands.
● Open the protective cap down to reveal the mouthpiece.
● Check the dose counter to see how many doses are left.
● Pull up on the edge of the white lever on the inhaler.
● Check that the side chamber is closed.
● Remember: You should only manipulate the white lever when you are ready to inhale. your dose of medication otherwise you’ll waste doses.
● Opening: The white lever must be fully raised as far as its stop and until it clicks. This action moves a new dose into position with its corresponding number above on the counter.
● Closing: Next, close the white lever until it clicks back into its original position. In this way the inhaler is ready for immediate use.
● With the mouthpiece of the inhaler away from your mouth, exhale as much as you can or until you feel comfortable. Don’t exhale directly onto the inhaler.
● Hold the inhaler with the protective cap facing down.
● Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece.
● Inhale deeply and continuously through the inhaler.
● Remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds or as long as you can without causing discomfort.
● Start breathing slowly.
● Close the mouthpiece's protective cap.
● Rinse your mouth with water.
Airflusal Inhaler Side Effects
All medications have the potential for side effects. Not everyone will experience them, but the most commonly reported side effects are:
● Headache
● Sore tongue
● Thrush in the mouth and throat that appears as creamy-yellow raised patches
● Catching frequent colds and viral infections
● Muscle cramps and swollen joints
● Sore throat
● Hoarse voice
In rare vases, Airflusal can increase blood glucose levels so people with diabetes mellitus should speak to their GP before starting this medication.
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should use the lowest effective dose possible to treat their symptoms effectively.
People with certain medical conditions or who take some medications should speak to their GP before starting Airflusal. This includes people who:
● Take beta-blockers
● Take corticosteroids
● Take diuretics
● Take xanthine medicines like aminophylline
● Take bronchodilators like Salbutamol
● Have high blood pressure
● Have an overactive thyroid gland
Where to Buy Airflusal Inhalers
If you suffer from COPD or asthma, you can get effective treatment like Airflusal Forspiro inhalers online in the UK from Pharmacy Planet. We are a trusted online pharmacy selling genuine medications in the UK at an affordable price. After a brief assessment, we can have your medications and prescriptions shipped swiftly and discreetly to your door.
Authored By
HARMINDER ‘HARMY’ KAUR
BSc(hons) Pharmacy
GPhC Number: 2061107
Reviewed By
GURDEV SEHMI
BSc Pharm, MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber, Superintendent Pharmacist, Clinical Lead
GPhC Number: 2050925