Alternatives to Respiratory Inhalers or Nebulizers

Metered dose inhalers and nebulizers are used to treat moderate to severe symptoms of the chronic airway diseases of asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema and occasionally bronchitis and pneumonia. These treatments can be used daily or as emergency relief, depending on severity of the condition and the extent to which it is managed. In unmanaged conditions, airway restriction increases and may be life-threatening. Physician guidance and disease management can ease the symptoms; eventually, only minimal intervention will be necessary in many cases.

Prevalence of Lung Disease

• The prevalence of asthma in the United States has been steadily increasing since the 1980s and affects 1 in 15 people, or about 20 million Americans, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The higher prevalence in children (7 to 10 percent) compared with adults (3 to 5 percent) illustrates that asthma can be inflamed by allergies and may disappear as childhood allergies are outgrown or controlled with medication. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be so well managed that it is not detrimental to quality of life. COPD, usually found in older populations, can be the cumulative result of smoking, environmental or occupational air pollution, allergic asthma, or genetics. Both diseases present with symptoms of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and a feeling of pressure on the chest.

Pharmaceutical Options

• Long-term control medications are taken daily to prevent symptoms and onset of an asthma attack, and the strongest of these are steroids in either a liquid (inhaled) or tablet form. Steroids reduce the swelling of the airways. Quick-relief medication should be used only when needed. During an asthma attack, this will relieve symptoms for only about four hours. A nebulizer is a small machine with an oxygen cord and a mask. The dose of liquid medicine is turned into a mist which is inhaled. One treatment may last 10 to 15 minutes, and the physician may direct usage several times per day if conditions flare up, or once per day to maintain open airways or until the disease is well-managed.

Alternative Options

• Prevent triggering allergic asthma by wearing a dust mask when vacuuming.

  The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not test or regulate alternative therapies for health. If using alternative herbs or dietary supplements, always consult your physician first. Some forms of traditional Chinese medicine, such as the herb ding-chan tang, have alleviated inflammation and bronchospasm. Other helpful therapies include yoga to assist with breath control, massage, nutrition and biofeedback. Remove environmental allergy triggers to decrease the chance of an asthma attack.

  For dust allergies, remove stuffed animals and even carpeting where possible, control dust mites by encasing mattress and pillow in a dust-proof cover; there should be no smoking in the house; control animal dander by keeping the pet out of the bedroom of the person with asthma; ask someone else to vacuum for you or use a dust mask; rid the house or car of mold; get a flu shot each fall; cover your nose and mouth with a scarf on cold or windy days.