I have bronchitis and my doctor gave me an inhaler

[KOKO]

for asthma, should i still use it? Should i use it regardless if i get shortness of breath?i'm scared to use the inhaler...

[witchone]

of course you should use it.it is to make your breathing easier.i would have been more worried if he didnt give you one.

[luvbooksswak]

Yes---I only had bronchitis once---thought I was going to DIE---Do everything that the physician told you to---or it will not go away. Good Luck! We are a nation FAMOUS for stopping medications because we THINK symptoms are getting better. The term "itis" means inflammation or swelling---SO in order for the bronchial area to clear up-----DO everything as originally prescribed----God Bless You!!!

[KAREN P]

It depends on the type of inhaler the doctor prescribed. I will assume it was Albuterol/ Proventil or possibly Combivent. These are bronchodialators ( that just means muscle relaxers for the lungs. This is what is considered a rescue inhaler. It should be used as prescribed at the first sign of Shortness of breath and can be used until breathing returns to normal. You don't need to fear inhalers. If you use it more than a couple puffs a day you should count your pulse at your wrist just below your thumb. As long as it is below 100 beats per minute you are fine, even up to 120 because some people are more sensitive and it can increase your heart rate. You will probably feel a bit shaky. The inhaler is a muscle relaxant for the smooth muscles that are found in the lungs, urinary tract and digestive system, thus relaxing the muscles opens the small airways (this also is the reason why young children with asthma, that are on breathing treatments, have a difficult time controlling their bladders). A very small amount of the medication effects other muscles in your body causing you to feel shaky. It only feels weird, and wont cause any problem. Keep in mind that if youwere to come to the hospital we wouldn't wait 4 hours between doses... use the inhaler as you need to and every 4 hours like he perscribed. Use common sense with the as needed part. I would tell you that if you needed to use it after 2 hours once in a while go for it. However if you do need it that often you are probably not using it properly. Verbal Demo... Place in your mouth with your teeth on the tube, exhale all air out, squeeze down on the canister while inhaling all the way in... a full breath. This will distribute the med. to the small airways as well. FYI bronchitsis can lead to pneumonia if not treated. Hope you feel better soon.