Humans tend to forget how lucky they are when they are in good health. The ability to live and breathe with ease is certainly one of the many privileges that is taken for granted. Breathlessness is one of the symptoms causing a person to have breathing issues and can be a sign of the many respiratory diseases. Some breathlessness symptoms are so severe that they might need to take medicine on a daily basis. There are a number of medicines to help relieve breathlessness such as SPIRIVA RESPIMAT 2.5 mg. SPIRIVA is a bronchodilator that is commonly used to help patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) breathe better. The question now is, does SPIRIVA improve lung function?
SPIRIVA does improve lung functions. This is especially true to those with asthma or COPD. SPIRIVA is proven to improve lung function known as FEV1 and reduce risk for exacerbations associated with breathlessness symptoms. It even helps in damaged lungs.
SPIRIVA contains tiotropium bromide. This drug is known as a bronchodilator. Bronchodilator in general works by relaxing the muscles in the lungs and expanding the airways. Such an effect is gained thanks to its anticholinergic properties. SPIRIVA is known as a long-acting bronchodilator since it works for at least 12 hours. This is the total opposite of short-acting bronchodilator as it only works for at most 4 hours. SPIRIVA is prescribed for those aged 6 and above. It is used as a maintenance treatment.
SPIRIVA has to be used regularly to ensure the drug works efficiently. The recommended dose is 5 mcg. This means that it consists of 2 puffs. It is typically taken once daily and it is best to take it at the same time of the day. Never inhale more than 2 sprays in 24 hours as this may lead to overdose. If a person uses SPIRIVA or even any inhaler for the first time or such medicine has not been used for more than 3 days, patients need to prime it first. Prime helps patients to get the maximal dose and effect from the medicine in the inhaler. To prime, simply spray 3 times into the air and away from the face. A slow-moving mist is a sign that an inhaler is ready to be used. Patients should expect improvement of symptoms after several doses.
Although SPIRIVA does improve lung functions and is good for the lungs, this does not eliminate the potential side effects when using this medicine. Common side effects include dry mouth, sore throat, headache, dizziness and sinus infection. If dizziness or blurred vision is experienced by a patient, the person should avoid working with machines or driving vehicles by themselves until they discuss the matter with the doctor. When side effects persist or become worse, patients should not stop taking the medicine and have to notify their doctor. Patients with other medical conditions should let their doctor know before using SPIRIVA. Medical conditions such as men with enlarged prostate, difficulty passing urine or a blockage in bladder and a person with kidney problems or glaucoma, should be informed to the doctor. This is because drugs used to treat these medical conditions may have reactions with SPIRIVA due to anticholinergic properties. Hence, to avoid adverse drug reactions or high risk for side effects, patients should let the doctor know the medical conditions they are diagnosed with and medications they are taking.
In essence, SPIRIVA RESPIMAT does improve lung function, most specifically in those with asthma or COPD. This medicine should always be used on a regular basis to reap its full benefits. The extra step of priming the inhaler can help assure the patient to receive the designated dose and for the patient to ease symptoms in the long run. Side effects are usually mild and most people have no problems when using the medicine. In rare occurrences, serious side effects such as allergic reaction, worsening of breathing difficulties and eye pain should be taken seriously. In this serious condition, patients should get to the emergency room as soon as possible.
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. This medication should not be confused with short-acting bronchodilator that acts as the rescue inhaler. A rescue inhaler is only to be used immediately after an asthma attack or to help relieve the acute symptoms such as breathlessness itself. Maintenance treatment helps 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 patients 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.
