Best Inhalers for COPD: What Types of Inhalers Are Available? Search What are the best inhalers for COPD? Learn more now! The Best Inhalers for COPD FacebookPinterestMessengerTwitterEmail3 years ago| by Best Inhalers for COPDCOPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) often causes symptoms including shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Currently, COPD cannot be cured, but may decrease symptoms, such as COPD inhalers.Inhalers are often used to treat symptoms of COPD. Some people with COPD may be prescribed inhalers that are taken every day. In other cases, inhalers may only be used as needed when COPD symptoms develop.Several types of inhalers for COPD are on the market. Different medications are also sold under various name brands. With all the inhaler options, it can become confusing. It’s vital for people with COPD to understand what their inhalers are prescribed for and how to take each one correctly. Continue reading to learn more about inhalers used to treat COPD.1. Quick-Relief BronchodilatorsInhalers are available to treat sudden symptoms of COPD, such as chest tightness and wheezing. Inhalers to treat sudden symptoms are classified as quick-relief or fast-acting bronchodilators.This type of inhaler works rapidly to relax the airways and allows air to flow in and out of the lungs easier. Although fast-acting inhalers work quickly, the effect only last short-term.There are a couple of different types of quick-relief inhalers including beta-2 agonists and anticholinergics. The medication is classified depending on which receptors in the body they target.The most common quick-relief inhalers for COPD include:AlbuterolAlbuterol is sold under different brand names including Proair and Ventolin. It is available in an HFA, which is an inhaler device that uses a propellant to deliver the medication. An HFA inhaler requires coordination to actuate the device and inhale. To minimize user error, it is helpful to use a chamber device called a spacer.Albuterol is also available in the form of a dry powder inhaler and is sold as a RespiClick inhaler. The device is breath-actuated and does not require the same level of coordination as an HFA inhaler. It does require a fast, deep inhalation, which can be difficult for some people with severe COPD symptoms.LevalbuterolLevalbuterol in another type of quick-relief bronchodilator. It works similarly to albuterol by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways. It has a slightly different chemical makeup than albuterol and may have fewer cardiovascular side effects. Levalbuterol in available in an HFA inhaler.IpratropiumIpratropium is a quick-relief anticholinergic bronchodilator used to treat COPD and is available in an HFA inhaler. It is also available in combination with albuterol in a Combivent Respimat inhaler.Possible side effects of quick-relief inhalers for COPD include lightheadedness, shakiness and increased heart rate. People with COPD who also have heart conditions should discuss possible cardiac side effects with their doctor to determine which bronchodilators are right for them.2. Long-Acting BronchodilatorsLong-acting bronchodilators work similarly to quick-relief inhalers and dilate the airways. The main difference is long-acting bronchodilators do not work fast, like quick-relief inhalers. Instead, they have a slower onset but last longer.Usually, long-acting bronchodilators are taken as a maintenance medication once or twice daily to prevent symptoms. They are not used in place of a fast-acting inhaler.Different types of long-acting bronchodilators are available to treat COPD including long-acting beta-2 agonists and long-acting muscarinic antagonists. The side effects of long-acting bronchodilators may vary depending on the classification of medication but can include increased heart rate, dry mouth and urine retention.A few of the most common long-acting bronchodilators include:Tiotropium.Aclidinium.Salmeterol.Related Search Topics (Ads), COPD inhalers may contain short- or long-acting medication, and there are a variety of devices on the market. Compare the best COPD inhalers with this guide., COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is a long-term respiratory condition that often requires several different medications to control it, such as bronchodilators (short-acting or long-acting), corticosteroids, mucolytics, or antibiotics. Types of bronchodilators include beta2-agonists and anticholinergics and examples include:.