COPD, otherwise known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, affects more than 14 million people throughout the United States. It is often a combination of emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is developed through smoking as well as extended exposure to such environmental elements as sulfur dioxide, dust and fumes.
Combivent Respimat is an inhaler that provides a slow-moving mist. It is categorized as a bronchodilator to help relieve the swelling and irritation of the airways so that more air will be able to pass through. This ensures that more air can make it in and out of the lungs to make it easier to breathe.
What’s unique about the Combivent inhaler is that it has two different medications inside of it – albuterol and ipratopium bromide. This helps to keep the passageways open longer so that people suffering from COPD can breathe with ease.
When a second bronchodilator is needed to help keep the air passages open, doctors will often recommend the Combivent inhaler. The reason this is generally prescribed is because it provides two medications within one inhaler. It has also been proven to work with patients who have COPD and have evidence of bronchospasm even after using a separate bronchodilator.
The Combivent inhaler is easy to use. The canister is shaken for 10 seconds and then the mouthpiece is placed into the mouth. A deep inhale is made while pressing the canister is down and the breath should be held for 10 seconds. The breath should then be let out. This can be repeated a second time, though two minutes should pass prior to doing so.
Combivent should be used regularly to provide the most benefits. This will help to keep the air passageways open as wide as possible. When it is not used with regularity, the passageways can begin to close up again, making it harder to breathe.
Lung functions should be tested on a regular basis to ensure that the inhaler is combating COPD like it should be. It is recommended that not only the lung function is tested but also that blood tests are conducted at the doctor’s office.
A person should have the Combivent inhaler with them at all times. A missed dose should be administered as soon as one remembers, though not if it is close to the next scheduled dose. The medication should also be refilled prior to running out to ensure that the dosages are always available to be taken.
The symptoms of COPD can get worse when not treated. Many of the symptoms include shortness of breath and wheezing, which is as a result of the airways of the lungs being swollen and obstructed. When Combivent is administered, it helps to relax the muscles of the airways and reduce the swelling so that more air can pass through.
