Humans often need to be reminded of how grateful they should be. In this context, we are talking about the ability to breathe effortlessly and having no respiratory problems. A person who has experienced breathlessness would understand how lucky people who can breathe well. Breathlessness is one of the symptoms leading to breathing difficulty. Breathlessness can be temporary or persistent to the extent of needing medicine such as SPIRIVA RESPIMAT 2.5 mg.
Spiriva Respimat contains tiotropium bromide as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of medication known as bronchodilators. A bronchodilator works by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and expanding the airways. This is due to the effect of its anticholinergic properties. This medication is known as a long-acting bronchodilator as the effect lasts for at least 12 hours. This is in contrast with short-acting bronchodilators as it only lasts around only 4 hours. Long-acting bronchodilators such as this SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is used to help control breathlessness in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is prescribed for those aged 6 and above as maintenance treatment for asthma and not as a rescue medicine.
Some people might be wondering if SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is a steroid. SPIRIVA is known as a bronchodilator and not a steroid. Bronchodilator may be confused as a steroid since in many occasions it is used hands in hands with steroids to help improve breathing symptoms. In truth, bronchodilator and inhaled steroids are used together in patients with asthma or COPD to help improve their symptoms. Both of the diseases cause breathing difficulties that are treated by a number of regimes involving different doses and types of bronchodilator or inhaled steroids. This kind of breathing difficulties is often as a result of inflammation and constricting muscles in the lungs. Hence, bronchodilator is used to help patients breathe better by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways. It also helps to remove mucus from blocking the airways and leads to breathlessness.
This medicine must be used regularly in order for the drug to work effectively and for the body to reap the benefits. The recommended dose is 5 mcg which consists of 2 puffs, taken once daily and at the same time of the day. Do not inhale more than 2 sprays in 24 hours. If you use this inhaler for the first time or have not used it for more than 3 days, you need to prime it before using it. Priming an inhaler helps to make sure the medicine content is mixed with the propellant to ensure you are receiving the full dose of the medicine. To prime, simply spray the medicine 3 times into the air and away from the face. A slow-moving mist is a sign that the inhaler is ready to be used. Full benefit of the medicine will be obvious after several doses. Hence, it is important to take it on a regular basis and with its recommended dosage or as instructed by a healthcare provider.
Just as with any other medicine, SPIRIVA RESPIMAT does have potential side effects. Common side effects include dry mouth, sore throat, headache, dizziness and sinus infection. If a patient feels dizzy or has blurred vision when using this medicine, you should be careful when working with machines or driving vehicles alone. When patients experience such side effects or worsening of symptoms, they should tell their healthcare provider. If a patient has other medical conditions such as kidney problems, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, blockage in bladder or difficulty passing urines, patients need to inform their doctor about the condition. This is due to the possibility that the drug used to treat these medical conditions may contain anticholinergic medicine which may increase side effects or worsen symptoms of the condition. Side effects can be signs of patients using the medicine in excess or the dose is not suitable for them. Do discuss with a healthcare professional if there are any side effects.
In essence, bronchodilator such as SPIRIVA RESPIMAT is not a steroid. In fact, bronchodilator may be used combined with steroids in forms on inhalation to provide better effect towards breathlessness symptom. It is necessary to take bronchodilator as prescribed by doctors and follow all doctor’s advice. If there is an unwanted effect from using bronchodilator or your breathlessness symptoms get worse, please seek medical advice immediately. Patients prescribed with SPIRIVA need to understand that this medicine is a long-acting bronchodilator that acts as maintenance therapy. This means patients should be using this medicine for a while and regularly to obtain its maximal therapeutic effect. Maintenance treatment help to improve the lungs and airways function in the long run. Apart from taking medicine, patients need to learn to identify triggers and to avoid it. It is important for patient to note that there is no cure for asthma or COPD once a person is diagnosed with the condition. Medical treatment can help to control and improve symptoms as long as it is taken as accordingly and as instructed by doctors.
