Ventolin Inhaler vs Accuhaler: Which Asthma Device is Right for You?

Hey there! If you're someone who relies on asthma medication, chances are you're familiar with Ventolin inhalers. But did you know that there are different types of Ventolin inhalers available?

Today, we're going to take a closer look at two of the most common ones: the Ventolin Inhaler and the Ventolin Accuhaler.

Let’s get started!

What is Ventolin?

Ventolin is a bronchodilator medication used to treat asthma and other lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The active ingredient in Ventolin is albuterol, also known as salbutamol.

Ventolin works by relaxing muscles in the airways to open up the lungs and make breathing easier. It provides quick relief and can be used to treat sudden asthma attacks.

Types Of Ventolin 

Ventolin is available in two primary forms: a metered-dose inhaler and an accuhaler, or dry powder inhaler.

The inhaler delivers a fast-acting dose of albuterol with each puff, while the accuhaler contains pre-measured doses in powder form that are inhaled. Both methods allow the medication to go directly to the lungs, where it is needed most.

How Ventolin Inhalers Work?

Ventolin inhalers contain the active drug albuterol, which belongs to a class of medications called bronchodilators. Albuterol works by relaxing muscles in the airways to open up the breathing tubes.

When you experience asthma symptoms or an asthma attack, the muscles in your airways constrict, narrowing the airways and making it hard to breathe. 

Using a Ventolin inhaler allows albuterol to be inhaled directly into the lungs, where it can rapidly work to relax these airway muscles.

By opening up constricted airways, a Ventolin inhaler provides fast relief from asthma symptoms. Within 5 to 10 minutes after inhaling the medication, you should notice your airways beginning to open up, making it easier to breathe.

How to Use a Ventolin Inhaler?

Using a Ventolin inhaler properly is essential to ensuring you receive the correct dose of medication. Here are step-by-step instructions for using a Ventolin inhaler:

• Remove the cap and shake the inhaler well before each use. This mixes the medication properly.
• Breathe out thoroughly and slowly through your mouth. This empties your lungs of air.
• Place the mouthpiece entirely in your mouth and close your lips around it. Avoid covering the vents.
• As you start breathing deeply through your mouth, press down firmly on the canister. This releases a dose of the medication.
• Continue to inhale slowly and deeply. Try to hold your breath for 10 seconds to allow the medication time to deposit in your lungs.
• Wait about 1 minute between puffs of the inhaler. This gives the medication time to act before taking another dose.
• Replace the cap and shake the inhaler again before taking a second puff, if your doctor has prescribed more than one.

How Ventolin Accuhalers Work?

Ventolin Accuhalers contain dry powder medication rather than an aerosol spray. They utilise breath activation to release a measured dose of the medication when you inhale through the device.

When you breathe in through the Accuhaler, the flow of air causes a foil strip to peel back inside the device. 

This opens a powder reservoir and allows a pre-measured amount of Ventolin powder to enter your airflow. The powder is then carried deep into your lungs as you inhale.

So, while Accuhalers contain dry powder rather than an aerosol spray, they deliver the bronchodilator medication to your lungs in a very similar way to Ventolin inhalers.

How to Use a Ventolin Accuhaler?

Using a Ventolin Accuhaler is easy to learn. Follow these simple steps:

1. Open the cover of the Accuhaler and slide the lever as far as it will go until it clicks. This loads your dose of medication.
2. Exhale fully to empty your lungs of air.
3. Place the mouthpiece of the Accuhaler in your mouth and close your lips tightly around it. Breathe profoundly and forcefully to inhale the medication.
4. Hold your breath for ten whole seconds to allow the medication time to deposit in your lungs.
5. Remove the Accuhaler from your mouth and breathe it out slowly. Remember to close the cover after use.

Comparing Inhalers and Accuhalers

The main difference between Ventolin inhalers and Ventolin Accuhalers is in the way the medication is delivered.

Feature	Ventolin Inhalers	Ventolin Accuhalers
Medication Delivery	Mist form inhaled	Powdered medication released upon inhalation
Onset of Action	Fast relief	Takes a bit longer to dissolve and be absorbed
Activation Method	Manual press down while inhaling	Breath-activated for precise dosing
Environmental Impact	Contains CFC gases	Environmentally friendly, no CFC gases
Environmental Consideration	-	Easy to recycle

 

Bottom Line

Ventolin is designed to help open up the airways in your lungs and make breathing easier during an asthma attack or difficulty breathing. 

To get the full effects of Ventolin, it's essential to follow the instructions provided with your specific device. Using proper technique can help ensure the medication reaches your lungs effectively.

Be aware that Ventolin can potentially cause side effects like shakiness, headache, throat irritation or upset stomach.

Following Local Pharmacy Online usage guidelines and consulting with your doctor can help you safely manage asthma or bronchospasms using Ventolin.