Must Read: Choosing asthma control devices

Devices that are useful in asthma treatment...

Asthma is a chronic disease characterised by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from one individual to another. It is one of the most common childhood diseases, although it attacks adults as well.

As the world marked World Asthma Day 2012, tagged “You Can Control Your Asthma” recently (May 3) researchers revealed that 20 million Nigerians have asthma or symptoms suggestive of asthma and five per cent of asthmatic adults die every year. It was also reported that between

1.5 million and two million children die every year globally.

The cause of asthma is unknown but appears to have a genetic link and an attack can be triggered by odd things such as allergies to house dust mites, cats, dogs, and moulds. Food preservatives can also trigger asthma. Sulfite additives such as sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite, which are commonly used in food processing or preparation, may trigger attacks in sensitive people.

However, asthma can be controlled — as it cannot be cured. A person’s asthma is said to be under control when he has no — or minimal — asthma symptoms; no waking at night due to asthma; no or minimal — need to use “reliever” medication; the ability to do normal physical activity and exercise; normal lung function test results and no — or very infrequent — attacks.

To achieve these results, devices such as Meter Dose Inhalers, Spacer devices, Dry powder inhaler, Breath-actuated Aerosol Inhaler and Nebulizers are needed.

A metered dose inhaler,  also known as an aerosol inhaler or puffer, according to netdoc.co.uk,  is a device for delivering medicine directly into the lungs. It consists of a pressurised metal canister containing a solution or suspension of medicine, placed within a plastic case with a mouthpiece. When the canister is pushed down, a valve delivers a measured dose of medicine in a fine mist. This is inhaled into the lungs via the mouthpiece. Using such an inhaler device can require considerable coordination, so that the correct dose can get to the lungs.

Such steps would include sitting up straight and lifting the chin to open the airways. One then takes a few deep breaths and then breathes out gently. The person will immediately place the mouthpiece in the mouth and put his teeth around it while sealing his lips around the mouthpiece, holding it between the lips.

The spacer device is a large plastic container, usually in two halves that click together. It has several brands. At one end is a mouthpiece and at the other end is a hole for inserting the mouthpiece like the MDI.

The dose from the inhaler is sprayed into the spacer, from where it can be inhaled without needing to coordinate breathing and pushing down the inhaler canister. This device is particularly useful for babies and small children who do not have the coordination of an adult.

Dry powder inhaler, according to webmd.com is quite different from other inhalers. A dry powder inhaler lets the user breathe medicine into the lungs quickly. It is breath-activated, meaning that when it is taken in through the inhaler, the inhaler releases the medicine into the lungs. Dry powder inhalers come in different shapes and sizes. Some come with the medicine already loaded inside.

Nebulizers, on the other hand, are devices that change medication from a liquid to a mist so that it can be more easily inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers are particularly effective in delivering asthma medications to infants and small children and to anyone who has difficulty using an asthma inhaler.

They come in various types and are available in the local market. Jet nebulizers, also called mechanical nebulizers, work by using an air compressor. The air compressor forces pressurised air down a narrow tube and through an opening, creating a vacuum which pushes the medicine out of the nebulizer. The machine might also come with a valve to control the flow of mist. Jet nebulizers require meticulous care and storage.

Not all of its parts are dishwasher-safe, but usually it can be washed using standard dish soap and air-dried. Instead of using an air compressor to create its pressure like the jet nebulizer, an ultrasonic nebulizer uses sound waves. The sound waves are generated by a special crystal. The medicine flows into the crystal, which is vibrated through the use of electric current. The vibration causes the liquid medicine to flow through an extremely thin mesh, which, in turn, causes the generation of mist. Ultrasonic nebulizers might also have a valve that controls mist flow.

There may be other uncommon devices for asthma, which ever a user finds suitable especially pocket wise, the most important thing is to have the condition under control.

-Maureen Azuh

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