An inhaler is a specialized medical device designed to deliver medication directly into the lungs, most commonly prescribed for chronic respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This direct delivery ensures the medication rapidly reaches constricted airways for a quick therapeutic effect. Using someone else’s inhaler is generally unsafe because these are tightly regulated prescription medications tailored to an individual’s specific diagnosis and needs. A borrowed inhaler introduces risks related to the drug, device handling, and hygiene.
The Hidden Pharmacological Dangers
Inhalers contain different active ingredients intended for distinct purposes, creating a significant hazard if the wrong one is used. The most common distinction is between “rescue” and “maintenance” inhalers. Rescue inhalers, which typically contain short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, quickly relax airway muscles during an acute flare-up.
Maintenance or controller inhalers often contain inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators meant to reduce chronic inflammation over time. Using a maintenance inhaler during a severe breathing attack offers no immediate relief, leading to a dangerous delay in effective treatment. Bronchodilators, for instance, can cause side effects such as tremors, anxiety, and increased heart rate, posing a risk if the user has an undiagnosed heart condition or is taking interacting medications.
Dosage is also a major unknown, as the prescribed concentration and frequency are calibrated for the owner’s lung function and body chemistry. The user may also have an unknown allergy to one of the drug’s components, potentially triggering a severe allergic reaction. Using unprescribed medication bypasses the necessary medical assessment of personal health risks and drug interactions.
Hygiene and Equipment Sharing Risks
Sharing an inhaler presents practical risks related to the physical device, separate from the drug inside. The mouthpiece of a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) contacts the user’s mouth and respiratory tract, making it a vector for transmitting pathogens. The mouthpiece becomes contaminated with bacteria during normal use, and direct sharing can spread respiratory infections such as the common cold, flu, or other contagious illnesses.
The effectiveness of inhaled medication relies heavily on the user’s technique, which many patients struggle to master correctly. Common mistakes include failing to exhale fully before inhalation, not coordinating the breath with the device actuation, or neglecting to hold the breath for the required few seconds afterward.
When a person borrows an unfamiliar device, they are highly likely to commit a critical error, resulting in little to no medication reaching the lungs. This failure means the treatment is ineffective, wasting precious time during a medical emergency. Additionally, the borrowed inhaler might be near empty or past its expiration date, which the user would not know until they attempt to use it, leading to a catastrophic failure of the device when it is needed most.
What to Do in a Breathing Emergency
If you are experiencing severe shortness of breath or an asthma attack and do not have your prescribed inhaler, the immediate and safest course of action is to call 911 or your local emergency services. While waiting for help, sit upright to maximize lung expansion and consciously work to steady your breathing. Techniques like pursed-lip breathing can help slow down exhalation and prevent hyperventilation.
Medical personnel are equipped to administer appropriate, controlled treatment. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) carry bronchodilating medications, such as albuterol and ipratropium, which they deliver via a nebulizer. A nebulizer turns the liquid medication into a fine mist that is inhaled over several minutes, ensuring a therapeutic dose is received under medical supervision, often with supplemental oxygen.
For a patient in severe distress, paramedics can also administer more advanced interventions. These include intravenous or intramuscular medications like corticosteroids or magnesium sulfate, which are not available in a standard inhaler. Relying on professional medical care ensures that the patient receives the correct drug, at the proper dose, with simultaneous monitoring and support. It is always safest to ensure you have your own prescribed rescue inhaler with you at all times.