How exactly do inhalers work - Anna Rothschild
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Date: 2025-10-11
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Comments and reviews: 20
ZeoViolet
It is NOT troublesome to use a rescue inhaler daily. it isn't ideal, but when you're dealing with the crazy financial situation that is US healthcare, you often have to make choices, and if you had to pick just one asthma medication, of course you'd usually pick the one that could save your bacon if you get into trouble. And for many, that trouble can come darned near daily. This was me, once upon a time.
I have better-managed asthma now, between allergy pills, a pill to control mucus production in my sinuses that cause massive postnasal drip and make my asthma worse, an inhaled steroid, and my emergency inhaler, which, during certain times of the year, I am still stuck using way more often than I like. and this is thanks in no small part to my work environment, on top of the outside environment.
I have managed to obtain a nebulizer recently; now it is talking my doctor into prescribing medication that can be delivered that way. I once had to undergo an emergency breathing treatment at the doctor's office; never in my life had I known something could work so well when I was in such distress. Since then I have wanted to have access to this when needed, when all else fails.
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It is NOT troublesome to use a rescue inhaler daily. it isn't ideal, but when you're dealing with the crazy financial situation that is US healthcare, you often have to make choices, and if you had to pick just one asthma medication, of course you'd usually pick the one that could save your bacon if you get into trouble. And for many, that trouble can come darned near daily. This was me, once upon a time.
I have better-managed asthma now, between allergy pills, a pill to control mucus production in my sinuses that cause massive postnasal drip and make my asthma worse, an inhaled steroid, and my emergency inhaler, which, during certain times of the year, I am still stuck using way more often than I like. and this is thanks in no small part to my work environment, on top of the outside environment.
I have managed to obtain a nebulizer recently; now it is talking my doctor into prescribing medication that can be delivered that way. I once had to undergo an emergency breathing treatment at the doctor's office; never in my life had I known something could work so well when I was in such distress. Since then I have wanted to have access to this when needed, when all else fails.
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KittyCatThang
I've had asthma for as long as I can remember and honestly, you forget how scary it can be for the people who aren't used to it. For me, asthma attacks are just a part of my life - they're annoying, but they're not going to ruin my day because I've learned how to manage them. For the people around me It can be really scary to watch me gasp for air or even collapse before I get my hands on my inhaler. I'm familiar with my limits but others aren't, and it can go in both directions. I've had teachers force me to run until I collapsed because they didn't believe me when I said I couldn't, and I've had friends panic and nearly call ambulances when I wheeze a little bit because they're terrified I'm going to stop breathing. It's a really weird condition to have, but I'm super thankful for the meds we have now to manage it. They let me live a pretty normal life.
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I've had asthma for as long as I can remember and honestly, you forget how scary it can be for the people who aren't used to it. For me, asthma attacks are just a part of my life - they're annoying, but they're not going to ruin my day because I've learned how to manage them. For the people around me It can be really scary to watch me gasp for air or even collapse before I get my hands on my inhaler. I'm familiar with my limits but others aren't, and it can go in both directions. I've had teachers force me to run until I collapsed because they didn't believe me when I said I couldn't, and I've had friends panic and nearly call ambulances when I wheeze a little bit because they're terrified I'm going to stop breathing. It's a really weird condition to have, but I'm super thankful for the meds we have now to manage it. They let me live a pretty normal life.
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paradisa6
I've only used dry powder inhalers until I was given a pressurised inhaler a few days ago. I was also given a spacer to help with both timing and actually breathing in the medication, without having to do the whole deep breath in, and hold for 5 secs as with dry powder inhalers. It's a more effective method of getting all the dose to reach your lungs, and less of it getting stuck in your mouth or throat on the way. If you also have a pressurised inhaler (or want to try that instead, ask your doctor about also getting a spacer to use with it. Another thing I really appreciated about this video is that I've now learned useful terminology in English related to my chronic condition. Thanks TED-Ed!
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I've only used dry powder inhalers until I was given a pressurised inhaler a few days ago. I was also given a spacer to help with both timing and actually breathing in the medication, without having to do the whole deep breath in, and hold for 5 secs as with dry powder inhalers. It's a more effective method of getting all the dose to reach your lungs, and less of it getting stuck in your mouth or throat on the way. If you also have a pressurised inhaler (or want to try that instead, ask your doctor about also getting a spacer to use with it. Another thing I really appreciated about this video is that I've now learned useful terminology in English related to my chronic condition. Thanks TED-Ed!
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NateTheTrainGuy
As someone with Asthma, I only use Inhalers when I am out and about and I start to get asthma, however if I am at home I use my nebulizer, although it is slower than using an inhaler, it is way more effective, I either use albuterol or budesonide. albuteral works in minutes but doesn't last that long, however budesonide takes a few days to kick in but can last at least 1 week free of asthma.
I used to struggle badly with my asthma, and if you do too, here's my solution, stop using inhalers and nebulizers unless it is an absolute emergency. That is how I basically overcame my asthma, just slowly stop taking medicine, slowly but surely it goes away.
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As someone with Asthma, I only use Inhalers when I am out and about and I start to get asthma, however if I am at home I use my nebulizer, although it is slower than using an inhaler, it is way more effective, I either use albuterol or budesonide. albuteral works in minutes but doesn't last that long, however budesonide takes a few days to kick in but can last at least 1 week free of asthma.
I used to struggle badly with my asthma, and if you do too, here's my solution, stop using inhalers and nebulizers unless it is an absolute emergency. That is how I basically overcame my asthma, just slowly stop taking medicine, slowly but surely it goes away.
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runtosh
I don't love the 'clearly terrible ideas' line. Yes they are toxic but they were what was available. They prolonged his life. The alternative was earlier death.
We still do the same types of treatment today. Things that are clearly toxic but prolong life with long term consequences. Most chemo is like this. The doctors weren't idiots. It wasn't clearly terrible. It was clearly better than immediat death by asthma.
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I don't love the 'clearly terrible ideas' line. Yes they are toxic but they were what was available. They prolonged his life. The alternative was earlier death.
We still do the same types of treatment today. Things that are clearly toxic but prolong life with long term consequences. Most chemo is like this. The doctors weren't idiots. It wasn't clearly terrible. It was clearly better than immediat death by asthma.
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MistSoalar
The inhaler propellant used in some countries (including the US) are highly potent greenhouse gas. From the sales numbers, the estimated total greenhouse effect is approximately 500k internal combustion car emissions every year. Inhalers are convenient, but we need to realize that there are alternatives.
I had asthma when I was young, and I used inhalers once in a while. I'm not innocent to this matter.
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The inhaler propellant used in some countries (including the US) are highly potent greenhouse gas. From the sales numbers, the estimated total greenhouse effect is approximately 500k internal combustion car emissions every year. Inhalers are convenient, but we need to realize that there are alternatives.
I had asthma when I was young, and I used inhalers once in a while. I'm not innocent to this matter.
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lifemotivation6789
Wow, this was fascinating to learn. It’s incredible to see how far medical science has comefrom Proust burning powders and smoking anti-asthma cigarettes to the modern inhalers that literally save lives today. It really shows how innovation, knowledge, and science evolve through trial, error, and persistence. Grateful for the progress that turns suffering into solutions.
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Wow, this was fascinating to learn. It’s incredible to see how far medical science has comefrom Proust burning powders and smoking anti-asthma cigarettes to the modern inhalers that literally save lives today. It really shows how innovation, knowledge, and science evolve through trial, error, and persistence. Grateful for the progress that turns suffering into solutions.
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ted_ed
Not enough detail as there are are three types of Asthma short acting relievers(Ventolin) Long Acting Reliever (Serevent) and Preventers ( Becotide) There are also combination inhaler (Fostair. Here in the U. K. in cases of Asthma spacers (such as Aero Chamber or Volumatic) are only used in cases where the patient is able to breathe in and press down the canister at the same time.
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Not enough detail as there are are three types of Asthma short acting relievers(Ventolin) Long Acting Reliever (Serevent) and Preventers ( Becotide) There are also combination inhaler (Fostair. Here in the U. K. in cases of Asthma spacers (such as Aero Chamber or Volumatic) are only used in cases where the patient is able to breathe in and press down the canister at the same time.
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ted_ed
I've had asthma practically all my life. I use both Turbuhaler & Inhaler, the first preventive, the latter in case of emergencies.
Ours is genetic, we have this joke in the family that instead of buying from pharmacies, we should go directly to the source, it would save us a lot of time, and money
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I've had asthma practically all my life. I use both Turbuhaler & Inhaler, the first preventive, the latter in case of emergencies.
Ours is genetic, we have this joke in the family that instead of buying from pharmacies, we should go directly to the source, it would save us a lot of time, and money
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Edihed20
As a respiratory therapist, I recommend that all inhaler, especially metered-dose inhalers should be used with an AeroChamber. Without it, much of the medication stays in the mouth and throat instead of reaching the bronchi where it’s needed.
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As a respiratory therapist, I recommend that all inhaler, especially metered-dose inhalers should be used with an AeroChamber. Without it, much of the medication stays in the mouth and throat instead of reaching the bronchi where it’s needed.
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FaeriePrincex
I use a ventolin inhaler for my chronic migraines. It helps dilate blood vessels, which really helps with the spasming in my forehead (over my eyebrow. Its helped a LOT and has easily become the MVP of my migraine kits
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I use a ventolin inhaler for my chronic migraines. It helps dilate blood vessels, which really helps with the spasming in my forehead (over my eyebrow. Its helped a LOT and has easily become the MVP of my migraine kits
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mrsokolov8954
As an asthmatic person, inhalers are a essential part of my life, without them I wouldn't be able to smoke zaza. So I thank the scientific community for this invention, they really did me a solid on this one.
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As an asthmatic person, inhalers are a essential part of my life, without them I wouldn't be able to smoke zaza. So I thank the scientific community for this invention, they really did me a solid on this one.
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spookynelly912
a couple years ago I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis but wasn't prescribed any medication T_T so this video is really validating and also eye opening. thanks so much, anna and ted-ed!
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a couple years ago I was diagnosed with chronic bronchitis but wasn't prescribed any medication T_T so this video is really validating and also eye opening. thanks so much, anna and ted-ed!
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lakefeatherss
ive been using asthma inhalers almost my entire life (basically as long as i can remember) but I never actually knew how they specifically worked to keep my asthma in check
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ive been using asthma inhalers almost my entire life (basically as long as i can remember) but I never actually knew how they specifically worked to keep my asthma in check
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ManjuSomra-d2k
You really saying whAt we can do instead of breathing that's a damn thing you need to give a go not some school homework that you can leave well i don't leave that either
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You really saying whAt we can do instead of breathing that's a damn thing you need to give a go not some school homework that you can leave well i don't leave that either
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domodesu5932
Wooow, I have severely bad asthma and (at time of writing this) I was wondering just yesterday how these things that have kept me alive for the past 30 years worked
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Wooow, I have severely bad asthma and (at time of writing this) I was wondering just yesterday how these things that have kept me alive for the past 30 years worked
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khemanig2
As someone with asthma this really makes you think of how many people succumbed to this before modern medicine and their love ones could only watched unable to help
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As someone with asthma this really makes you think of how many people succumbed to this before modern medicine and their love ones could only watched unable to help
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whathappenedtothis
Inside the Inhaler are tens of thousands of microscopic bugs that burrow into your lung tissue and release numbing peptides that quell asthma attacks.
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Inside the Inhaler are tens of thousands of microscopic bugs that burrow into your lung tissue and release numbing peptides that quell asthma attacks.
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auro1986
inhalers are among best inventions of medical science that have addictive and intoxicating chemicals that make you dependant on treatment yet never cure you
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inhalers are among best inventions of medical science that have addictive and intoxicating chemicals that make you dependant on treatment yet never cure you
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Hypind
Why is there a whoosh sound effect at like EVERY screen transition It distracts from the great animations and is maddening. please leave it out in the future
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Why is there a whoosh sound effect at like EVERY screen transition It distracts from the great animations and is maddening. please leave it out in the future
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