If you are wondering how to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor then it is possible by getting an online doctor appointment or you can buy over-the-counter inhalers. If you have an option for an online doctor appointment, they will give you a prescription so that you can buy an inhaler from the pharmacy. But if you do not want to visit a doctor and buy an inhaler then you can buy only over-the-counter ones.
In this article, we will tell you all about inhalers, the uses of inhalers, and how to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor.
What is an Inhaler used for?
Inhalers are medication formulations that are available in a spray form used to treat breathing problems. According to medical professionals, you should consult a doctor before using any type of inhaler whether it is prescribed or over the counter. Breathing problems can even cause life-threatening conditions so it is important that you use an appropriate inhaler with an accurate dose.
For the treatment of asthma, you can either use over-the-counter asthma inhalers or there are many other treatment options as well. Following are some of the medical conditions in which you can use an inhaler
⦁ Emphysema
⦁ Chronic Bronchitis
⦁ COPD
⦁ Asthma
⦁ Bronchiectasis.
It is best that you should consult a physician so that they can recommend you an inhaler according to your condition. Every inhaler has a different formulation so your physician can only recommend you the best medication.
What is Asthma
Asthma is a breathing disorder in which airway inflammation takes place. It is a chronic disease and requires medication as well as lifestyle adaptation. Following are the major symptoms of asthma
⦁ Difficulty in sleeping
⦁ Coughing
⦁ Shortness of breath
⦁ Chest pain
⦁ Wheezing.
Things to avoid in Asthma
Inhalers are very useful in asthma as a provide long-term control and short-term treatment. However, there are some places when you will forget your inhaler and can get an asthmatic triggering situation. Therefore, you should be aware of some of the things which you can avoid to prevent asthma attacks.
⦁ Intense exercise
⦁ Outdoor air pollution
⦁ Pets
⦁ Mold
⦁ Pollen exposure
⦁ The smell of perfume or tobacco smoke
⦁ Pests
⦁ Infections such as respiratory viruses, colds, or influenza.
Even if you are suffering from mild asthma you should get a regular checkup from your doctor to monitor your health. Sometimes people are suffering from other respiratory conditions which give similar symptoms to asthma therefore proper diagnosis is essential. If you are taking an over-the-counter inhaler twice a week or more than two nights a month then you should immediately consult your doctor.
How can I open my Lungs without an Inhaler?
If a person has a congested chest or feels shortness of breath it is very uncomfortable. If you do not have medical treatment or an inhaler at the moment then you can do a few things which can help you in opening your lungs.
Following are some of the tips through which you can open your lungs without an inhaler
⦁ Hot water shower
⦁ Sitting up straight
⦁ Inhale warm moist steam
⦁ Take Vitamin C, D, and E
⦁ Drink a hot or warm liquid
⦁ Take deep breaths
⦁ Avoid those things that can trigger your shortness of breath.
The above mention tips can help you in relaxing yourself from shortness of breath or chest congestion. However, if you are having severe chest pain, a bluish tent on your skin, or heavy breathing problems then without wasting any time you should seek medical help.
How to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor
If you are thinking about how to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor then yes luckily there are some options through which you can get an inhaler without a prescription. Following are some of the best over-the-counter asthma inhaler medication
⦁ Bronchial relief tablets (ephedrine and guaifenesin)
⦁ Primatene mist hfa inhaler
⦁ asthmaNefrin inhaler
However, if you need prescription asthmatic medication then you cannot use over-the-counter inhalers. If you have mild asthma then you can go for over-the-counter medication but for moderate or severe asthma you should get prescription medication. Before starting any treatment plan you should first consult your doctor because an asthma attack can be life-threatening if not taken the proper medication.
Are Inhalers Prescription Medication?
Inhalers can be over-the-counter or prescription depending on the formulation. Usually, over-the-counter inhalers are FDA approved for mind asthma but if you are suffering from moderate-severe asthma then there are some intense formulation inhalers also available. Prescription inhalers are used for specific health issues and to relax certain symptoms. You cannot get a prescription inhaler without consulting your physician.
What are different kinds of inhalers?
Following are the three main types of inhalers
⦁ Soft mist inhalers SMIs
It is similar to dry powder inhalers because the patient inhales the medication with the help of their inward breath. However, in this type of inhaler, the medication enters the lungs most slowly so the medicine can easily reach the lungs.
⦁ Metered dose inhalers MDIs
Metered dose inhalers consist of medicine in the form of an aerosol. When the patient presses the canister same time they can inhale the medication.
⦁ Dry powder inhalers DPIs
It does not have propellant. With inward breathing, the patient takes in the medication to their lungs.
Bottom line
The answer to the query about how to get an inhaler without seeing a doctor is yes, you can get over-the-counter inhalers without a doctor’s appointment. But we will still recommend that once if you have asthma then you should visit the doctor regularly. If you are using any over-the-counter medication you should also tell your physician about it. Whether it is asthma or any other respiratory disorder it is very important to use the appropriate medication because these disorders can even become life-threatening.
