The tools every asthmatic needs

Metered Dose Inhaler

WHAT IT IS: A small, hand-held device comprised of a canister of medication and a pipe-shaped piece of plastic called an actuator. Medicine is delivered in an aerosol spray.

WHAT IT’S FOR: Fast delivery of measured doses of bronchodilator medicine to open clogged airways.

HOW TO USE: Shake inhaler. Exhale. Place in mouth and inhale slowly while pressing down once on the tip of inhaler. Continue breathing in slowly and deeply. Wait one minute between puffs.

AVERAGE PRICE: $30 - $80

Nebulizer

WHAT IT'S FOR: Delivers stronger doses of airway-opening medications. Used with b-adrenergic agonists, which open bronchial tubes, or cromolyn sodium, an anti-inflammatory agent.

HOW TO USE: Medicine is inhaled in slow, deep breaths. Hold each breath for one to two seconds. Continue until all medicine is consumed - about 10 minutes.

AVERAGE PRICE: $130 - $250

Spacer

WHAT IT IS: An attachment or holding chamber that fits over mouthpiece of a metered dose inhaler. Varying styles and shapes

WHAT IT'S FOR: For younger children and other s unable to use an aerosol inhaler. Traps medicine in chamber so it's not lost.

HOW TO USE: Place face over mouth and nose. Breathe in and out. Hold breath for count of 10. Release slowly. Child's nose should be held during this procedure to be sure the child is breathing through mouth.

AVERAGE PRICE: $20 - $30

Peak Flow Meter

WHAT IS IT: Plastic tube-like gauge to measure how effectively air is moving from the lungs.

WHAT IT'S FOR: An early warning system alerting asthmatics when their airways are narrowing.
Asthmatics determine a personal peak air flow by recording high score when asthma is under control, then measure future scores against it.

HOW TO USE: While standing, take deep breath. Hold it. Close lips tightly around mouthpiece. Blow hard in a quick puff where the indicator stopped. That number is the current peak flow. Record the highest of three tries.

AVERAGE PRICE: $65