Can You Get An Inhaler For Allergies

Can I Get An Inhaler Without Seeing A Doctor

Yes, you can get an inhaler without seeing a doctor, and you can get an inhaler without a prescription. The top OTC medications for asthma include:

• Primatene Mist HFA inhaler
• Asthmanefrin inhaler
• Bronchial relief tablets

Over the counter medications should not be replacements for prescription asthma treatments. They should not be the primary treatment option if you have moderate or severe asthma.

You should talk to a doctor before making your own treatment plan. Asthma attacks can be life-threatening if not treated properly.

What Causes An Asthma Attack

An asthma attack can happen when you are exposed to asthma triggers. Your asthma triggers can be very different from someone elses asthma triggers. Know your triggers and learn how to avoid them. Watch out for an attack when you cant avoid your triggers. Some of the most common triggers are tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, smoke from burning wood or grass, and infections like flu.

Is One More Effective Than The Other In Soothing Allergies

While both a nasal spray and nasal inhaler for allergies can be effective, research shows that the preservatives we mentioned in nasal sprays can lead to unwanted side effects. They can also actually worsen symptoms of an allergic reaction if used too much.

While most nasal inhalers contain essential oils, many nasal sprays dont. As we discussed, essential oils can provide great benefits for a variety of allergy symptoms including blocked sinuses, throat irritation, coughing, sneezing, and decongestion.

Don’t Miss: Can Allergies Cause Lung Inflammation

Common Allergens That Trigger Allergic Asthma

Among adults with asthma, 75 percent of those between ages 20 to 40 and 65 percent of those ages 55 and older have at least one allergy, according to research reported by Dr. Paula Busse, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Mount Sinai Department of Allergy and Immunology. She also reports that as many as 80 percent of children with allergies also have asthma.

There are certain allergens that typically trigger allergy-induced asthma in children and adults, such as:

Its important to note that not everything you are allergic to will cause asthma symptoms to develop, though another type of allergic reaction may develop. A doctor may perform a skin or blood test to determine the allergen triggering your allergic asthma.

In an allergy skin test, also referred to as a skin prick test, a nurse makes small marks in the skin and applies allergen extracts next to them. In adults, the skin test is usually conducted on the arm, and in children its done on the back. According to Mayo Clinic, a skin prick test can check up to 40 different substances at once.

Another option is an allergy blood test, which measures the level of IgE antibodies in the blood. A positive result for a total IgE test indicates an allergy after the overall number of IgE antibodies is measured. Alternatively, a specific IgE test identifies the levels of IgE antibodies in response to individual allergens so that you can discover whether or not you have allergies to a specific trigger, such as pollen.

What Asthma Treatment Options Are There

You have options to help manage your asthma. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to control symptoms. These include:

• Anti-inflammatory medicines: These medicines reduce swelling and mucus production in your airways. They make it easier for air to enter and exit your lungs. Your healthcare provider may prescribe them to take every day to control or prevent your symptoms.
• Bronchodilators: These medicines relax the muscles around your airways. The relaxed muscles let the airways move air. They also let mucus move more easily through the airways. These medicines relieve your symptoms when they happen.
• Biologic therapies for asthma when symptoms persist despite being on proper inhaler therapy.

You can take asthma medicines in several different ways. You may breathe in the medicines using a metered-dose inhaler, nebulizer or other inhaler. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral medications that you swallow.

Read Also: Is Pepcid Used For Allergies

Symptoms Of An Allergy Cough

An allergy-related cough is typically “dry,” meaning that you won’t cough up any mucus or phlegm. In some people, the cough can become chronic, lasting for several weeks at a time.

Symptoms of allergy cough include:

• A persistent tickle or irritation at the back of the throat

Allergy coughs can sometimes be difficult to differentiate from other conditions like asthma or an upper respiratory tract infection.

With asthma, you are more likely to experience chest tightness, shortness of breath , and wheezing due to the narrowing of the airways of the lungs.

With infections like flu or COVID-19, you are more likely to experience fever, chill, and body or muscle aches. With COVID-19, there may also be a loss of taste or smell as well as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

How Do Inhalers For Allergies Help To Relieve

Allergic reactions can affect your respiration and your throat. This is a similar method bronchial asthma act, which is why inhalers turn out to be useful.

They work very quickly making it straightforward so that you can breathe. Inhalers open up your throat. Some inhalers will assist to dry up your allergies as effectively.

Most of all of the inhalers that you simply get you must go to your native household physician.

Recommended Reading: Can Food Allergies Cause Nerve Pain

Can I Use My Inhaler More Than Every 4 Hours

The old Rule of 4 says if you need to use your albuterol inhaler more than every 4 hours or more than 4 times in a 24- hour period that you need to get your asthma evaluated right away. This indicates that a fast intervention is needed to gain control of your asthma.

Also Check: What Happens If You Smoke Weed With Asthma

What Medications Can Cause An Allergy Cough

Ironically, some medications used to treat allergies can also cause cough.

Antihistamines are a class of drugs commonly prescribed to treat allergy symptoms. They work by preventing histamine from attaching to cells and triggering inflammation.

Second-generation antihistamines like Claritin and Zyrtec are able to do this without the drowsiness associated with earlier-generation drugs. However, one of the common side effects of these popular over-the-counter drugs is a cough.

This is because antihistamines have a drying effect that can leave the throat feeling scratchy. Even so, the cough is generally mild and will clear once you stop treatment.

Recommended Reading: What Does An Egg Allergy Look Like

Are People With Allergies Or Asthma At A Higher Risk Of Getting Covid

There is good news. Evidence now being collected indicates that people with asthma are no more likely to contract COVID-19. Similarly, allergies do not appear to increase the risk of COVID-19.

The best way to reduce the risk of developing severe illness from COVID-19 is by maintaining consistent infection prevention habits, including social distancing and washing your hands.

The Soaring Cost Of A Simple Breath

OAKLAND, Calif. The kitchen counter in the home of the Hayes family is scattered with the inhalers, sprays and bottles of pills that have allowed Hannah, 13, and her sister, Abby, 10, to excel at dance and gymnastics despite a horrific pollen season that has set off asthma attacks, leaving the girls struggling to breathe.

Asthma the most common chronic disease that affects Americans of all ages, about 40 million people can usually be well controlled with drugs. But being able to afford prescription medications in the United States often requires top-notch insurance or plenty of disposable income, and time to hunt for deals and bargains.

The arsenal of medicines in the Hayeses kitchen helps explain why. Pulmicort, a steroid inhaler, generally retails for over $175 in the United States, while pharmacists in Britain buy the identical product for about $20 and dispense it free of charge to asthma patients. Albuterol, one of the oldest asthma medicines, typically costs $50 to $100 per inhaler in the United States, but it was less than $15 a decade ago, before it was repatented.

The one that really blew my mind was the nasal spray, said Robin Levi, Hannah and Abbys mother, referring to her $80 co-payment for Rhinocort Aqua, a prescription drug that was selling for more than $250 a month in Oakland pharmacies last year but costs under $7 in Europe, where it is available over the counter.

Also Check: Can My Dog Take Allergy Pills

Chances Of Asthma Symptoms Getting Worse When Treated With Psoriasis Medicine Is Likelyyour Browser Indicates If Youve Visited This Link

Psoriasis medicine licensed to treat the skin condition worsened symptoms in patients with severe asthma, according to trial results recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Information found in a University Hospitals of Leicester press release shared the Journals data which presented that the study investigated whether risankizumab could potentially improve the symptoms and reduce attacks in people with severe asthma.

Managed Healthcare Executive

You May Like: Does Ibuprofen Make Asthma Worse

What Are Inhalers Used For

Inhalers are used to treat breathing problems. Medical experts recommend that you see a doctor before using over the counter asthma inhalers or other treatments.

Nonetheless, there are over the counter asthma inhaler and other treatment options. Some medical conditions that warrant the use of an inhaler include:

It is best to speak with a doctor because they can work with you to determine the best medication for you and will check on you to ensure the care plan is working.

You May Like: How To Sleep During Allergy Season

How Is Asthma Treated

Take your medicine exactly as your doctor tells you and stay away from things that can trigger an attack to control your asthma.

Everyone with asthma does not take the same medicine.

You can breathe in some medicines and take other medicines as a pill. Asthma medicines come in two typesquick-relief and long-term control. Quick-relief medicines control the symptoms of an asthma attack. If you need to use your quick-relief medicines more and more, visit your doctor to see if you need a different medicine. Long-term control medicines help you have fewer and milder attacks, but they dont help you while you are having an asthma attack.

Asthma medicines can have side effects, but most side effects are mild and soon go away. Ask your doctor about the side effects of your medicines.

Remember you can control your asthma. With your doctors help, make your own asthma action plan. Decide who should have a copy of your plan and where he or she should keep it. Take your long-term control medicine even when you dont have symptoms.

Can Allergic Rhinitis Make Asthma Worse

Hay fever can make asthma harder to control. People with asthma who also have allergic rhinitis have more visits to hospital or emergency departments and more time off work or school than other people with asthma.

Some people find that the things that trigger their asthma will also make their allergic rhinitis worse. These could include things they are allergic to or cold air, cigarette smoke or other irritating fumes.

Effective treatment for allergic rhinitis may reduce the chance of severe asthma attacks, and make the lungs work better.

People with allergic rhinitis who are allergic to grass pollens can have asthma attacks caused by springtime thunderstorms. These mainly occur in October-November, in places where there is a lot of grass pollen . Very severe asthma attacks triggered by thunderstorms are more likely in people who have asthma as well as allergic rhinitis – especially if their asthma is not well controlled, or they are not taking regular preventer medication for their asthma.

You May Like: How To Help Allergy Sore Throat

Should I Use An Otc Inhaler Or An Rx Inhaler

The short answer to this question is: talk to a doctor as itâs always a good idea to check with a physician before trying any new medication, even if itâs over-the-counter. Itâs important to highlight that OTC inhalers are not a replacement for Rx inhalers. OTC inhalers may interact with certain medications, especially stimulants and other medications that impact neurotransmitters, making it even more critical to check with your doctor before you use an over-the-counter medication for lung conditions like COPD.

Where Can I Purchase Ventolin

Once you have a prescription for Ventolin you can have it fulfilled at any pharmacy. If you purchase it from a pharmacy with an NHS prescription, you will pay the standard levy. If you are entitled to free treatment on the NHS, you wont have to pay anything.

Private pharmacies also offer Ventolin to buy. Some online pharmacies, such as ours, provide a doctor consultation facility, where you can have your prescription renewed by a doctor, and then dispensed at a UK pharmacy and delivered to you.

When you use online services, you will still be required to answer several questions about your general health. When you order asthma inhalers using our UK service, it is our policy to inform your GP that you are ordering treatment online, so that they are kept up-to-date regarding your asthma care.

Read Also: Does Allergy Medicine Help With A Cold

What Types Of Asthma Are There

Healthcare providers identify asthma as intermittent or persistent . Persistent asthma can be mild, moderate or severe. Healthcare providers base asthma severity on how often you have attacks. They also consider how well you can do things during an attack.

Asthma can be:

• Allergic: Some peoples can cause an asthma attack. Molds, pollens and other allergens can cause an attack.
• Non-allergic: Outside factors can cause asthma to flare up. Exercise, stress, illness and weather may cause a flare.

What Is An Inhaler And How Does It Work

Inhalers are the most common device for taking medications for COPD. There are a few different types of inhalers, and well go through each of them in this guide. Using your inhaler properly ensures the medication is delivered where it is needed the lungs. Other devices, like spacers and nebulizers, can also help.

Don’t Miss: How To Survive Spring Allergies

Every Day: Control Inhaler

These inhalers help prevent flares and keep symptoms from getting worse. Theyre called control inhalers because they have medicine that controls inflammation.

Use yours as often as your doctor tells you to, usually once or twice a day:

• Whether or not youre having symptoms
• Even if you feel like youre doing better

If youre supposed to use it two times a day, aim for 12 hours apart.

When you begin using this kind of inhaler, it may be 2 to 4 weeks before you notice the drugs start to work.

Donât Miss: What Two Body Systems Are Affected By Asthma

What Is The Expiration Date On An Inhaler

The expiration date on an inhaler is when the medicine will no longer work. You should not use an inhaler past its expiration date. Even if the date on the inhaler reads expired, you should not use it. If you dont completely empty the inhaler, the medicine will remain in your lungs.

Even if the inhaler has passed its expiration date, talk to your doctor. You should use your inhaler according to the instructions that come with it. If your doctor told you to use it exactly as directed, you should not use it past the expiration date.

Recommended Reading: Can Oral Allergy Syndrome Cause Hives

What Causes Asthma To Flare Up

Your asthma can flare up for different reasons. If youre allergic to dust mites, pollens or molds, they can make your asthma symptoms get worse. Cold air, exercise, fumes from chemicals or perfume, tobacco or wood smoke, and weather changes can also make asthma symptoms worse. So can common colds and sinus infections.

Difference Between Nasal Inhaler And Nasal Spray

A major difference between a nasal inhaler and nasal spray is the convenience. Since nasal inhalers come in a very small tube thats simply sniffed during use, its very portable and easy to use anywhere. Meanwhile, over the counter nasal decongestant sprays arent usually as compact and travel-friendly.

Nasal inhalers and nasal sprays also often have different ingredients. Typically, nasal sprays have decongestants such as Oxymetazoline and Propylhexedrine. These can have negative side effects as mentioned above. They also often contain Phenylcarbinol and Benzalkonium Chloride. These are preservatives that can damage nasal tissues. Its often recommended not to use nasal sprays long-term because of their effects after excess use.

Nasal inhalers and sprays are also used differently. While nasal inhalers have vapors that are inhaled, nasal sprays are a liquid that you squirt into your nose. When using a nasal spray, you have to be very mindful of how youre pumping it. If used incorrectly, it can run down your throat or drip from your nose. Meanwhile, a nasal inhaler isnt a liquid so theres no mess involved.

Recommended Reading: What Essential Oils Can Help With Allergies

Is There A Cure For Allergic Asthma

Theres no cure for allergic asthma. Therefore, its important to adhere to your treatments and follow your doctors advice.

Doing so can prevent severe complications, such as airway remodeling, which is permanent narrowing of the breathing passages. This complication affects how well you can inhale air in and exhale air out of your lungs.

What Are The Different Types Of Inhalers

âRescue inhalerâ refers to short-acting bronchodilators. These bronchodilators open the airways and help stop or relieve acute symptoms very quickly and work for around 4 hours. While rescue inhalers are used most often for treating sudden attacks of wheezing or shortness of breath, they can also be used before exercise to mitigate any breathing issues during your workout. Some examples of short-acting bronchodilators, or rescue inhalers are:

Long-acting bronchodilators control the symptoms of lung conditions with the intent of stopping attacks before they start. They’re called long acting because the effect lasts at least twelve hours. Some examples of long-acting bronchodilators are:

• Advair, Dulera, and Symbicort

While most people are familiar with pressurized inhalers, there are three ways medication is delivered via inhaler:

• Metered-dose inhaler which uses pressure to push the medication out of the inhaler.

• Nebulizers use air or oxygen and deliver a mist of the medication through a tube or mask that fits over your nose and mouth.

• Dry powder inhalers deliver medication through strong and fast inhalation of the medication.

Who needs to use an inhaler?

• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic health condition that causes the airways to narrow and become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. This is known as an asthma attack. Signs of an asthma attack include:

Don’t Miss: Is Hemp Oil Good For Allergies