Can You Buy Asthma Inhalers Over The Counter Anymore

If you or someone you love has asthma, you know just how scary an asthma attack can be. A very tight chest and difficult breathing or wheezing can be signs of a pending attack. It is vital for anyone diagnosed with asthma to get regular medication to keep it under control. There are varied levels of this condition and options for treatment. With the recent ban on over the counter inhalers, many asthma sufferers who are used to self treating, will now need to find another source for medication. There may be some help available, so lets take a little deeper look into what causes asthma, and where and how to get the proper medications to treat it.

Seems as if the jury is still out on the real cause. While there is no difinitive answer, many of the triggers for asthma have been identified. Allergens such as pollen, dust, animal dander and mold have all been linked to asthma attacks. Other irritants like cigarette smoke, wood smoke, perfumes, some cleaning products and good old air pollution can play a role in asthma related breathing problems. Here are a few other notable triggers:

• A change in air temperature
• Exercise
• Colds, the flu and respiratory infections
• Too much stress
• Some medications including aspirin and other anti-inflammatories

There are probably endless ways which an attack could be triggered, but knowing the main causes will help you avoid a potential problem in the future.

Understanding what asthma is, how it feels and exactly how it can affect you will give you some indication of whether you need to visit a doctor or not. Some people may think that the shortness of breath is normal after exercise or some strenuous work. It may be, it also could be a bigger problem which you need to get checked out. Asthma can strike at any age. Although it is more common to see young children affected, adults can get asthma also.

Some of the symptoms of asthma:

• Tightness in the chest
• A lingering cough, even after you have had a cold or the flu.
• Regular shortness of breath
• Wheezing and the feeling of lung congestion
• Excessive mucus

What happens during most asthma attacks

No asthma attack is alike but in severe situations, the muscles that encircle the airways tense up, tissues lining the airways swell and thicker then normal mucus is released into the airways causing the air passages to narrow. This makes breathing very difficult and is very dangerous for the asthmatic. Heavy shallow breathing is common and this will also cause panic! Once airways are too restricted you need to call an ambulance or visit a doctor immediatelty.

Are there any over the counter medications for asthma

Nope, there was only one non presription asthma inhaler (Primatene mist) and thanks to the United States government and all of the overly sensative naturalists and tree-huggers, 3 million sufferers are now in a very bad situation. One very recent article I read concerning this stated that "according to recent studies, most patients used Primatene Mist out of convenience rather than financial concern". I can tell you right now that this study is hogwash! Not only that, the only emergency treatment left was Primatene Mist! Asthma attacks happen at all different times of the day and night. In fact most people who suffer from asthma will tell you that breathing at night is the most difficult time, and also the most likely time to suffer an attack. You may be able to find some oral medication for asthma like a broncho-dialator pill. Keep your eyes open. these could potentially go by the wayside also and may be helpful in a pinch!

The local stores which carried Primatene Mist were a godsend to those who needed instant relief versus calling an ambulance or rushing by car to a hospital. Asthma is no joke. If you think it is, have a friend stand on your chest and then hold your breath for 30 seconds, then take a short breath and repeat. Do this about twenty times in a row to get just a fraction of what the typical asthma attack will feel like. Without the proper treatment in short time, fatalities are common!

CFC propellants, which is how the medicine Primatene Mist is dispersed, is bad for the ozone layer and the earth's upper atmosphere. I can relate to why the need to do something is being talked about and put into action. Unfortunately, there are many other toxins being released into our air which does the same damage if not more, and these are not products which are used to save peoples lives. Yet they have not been pulled from the market! I want clean and healthy air to breath just like everyone else, I am just saying, couldn't they have figured out a way to allow Primatene Mist to change the propellant it uses, therefore being able to continue to provide a product that many asthma sufferers rely on?

Can you treat asthma without a doctor

The answer to this question is no. Although you may be able to find products in a pill form which are designed to ease breathing and control episodes, Asthma requires regular check-ups and prescription refills in order to live an active life. The correct asthma medication will allow you to live life and enjoy all of the same activities that your peers do.

Now that it is impossible to purchase a asthma inhaler at a supermarket or local pharmacy, you will need a prescription to make sure you do not run out. There are also Corticosteroids which have been effective in helping reduce airway swelling which are only available through your physician.

This is certainly a problem and the so called "study" got it all wrong. Sure some people enjoyed the convenience of being able to buy an inhaler whenever they needed it, who wouldn't? I mean, if you are having trouble breathing, isn't it a good idea to have a convenient place to get the medication you need to keep from dying? Well since Primatene Mist was half the price without the need for a prescription, many asthma sufferers are clueless of what to do now.

The good news is, most cities and even some small towns have locally based health programs which can help. In many cases they will have a licensed doctor volunteering who is able to examine you and write any needed prescriptions. Some of these programs will help you with the cost (paperwork and documentation will be needed so come prepared) if you do not have enough money. Search for "free health clinic" and the name of your city to see what results come up.

One of the first things you need to do is understand your body and when you are mosy likely to have an attack or develop symptoms of asthma. This makes it easier to explain to your doctor and can enable him / her to create the best plan for you.

Since you now understand the most common triggers for asthma, it will be easier to avoid potential attacks and problems. Even so, you will always be at risk so being prepared is your best defense. Here is a likely scenario for treating your asthma.

The doctor will examine you and confirm that you indeed have asthma. The doctor will then run additional tests for allergies and so-on. Oral medication like steroids are very common at least to get things moving forward and increase your breathing capacity. Your doctor will most likely prescribe some preventative medication so you will be less likely to have an attack. Cromolyn, nedocomil sodium and leukotrienne inhibitors are all common treatments for asthma. If you would like to know more about any of these terms, you can use the physicians desk reference at Drugs.com

For the times when you need immediate relief from a tight chest or congested lungs, inhalers such as Ventolin and Proventil may be prescribed also. You definitely want to make sure you have an emergency inhaler. Some people bring these with them everywhere they go while others may only need a puff every few days or so.