An asthma inhaler delivers medicine directly into the airways, providing fast relief for breathing difficulties. People often consider using someone else’s inhaler during unexpected breathlessness or perceived need for immediate relief. While the intention may be helpful, this action introduces several physiological, logistical, and hygienic risks. Using a prescription meant for another person can lead to undesirable effects.
How the Medication Affects the Body
The medication found in most rescue inhalers is a Short-Acting Beta Agonist (SABA), such as albuterol, which acts as a powerful bronchodilator. This drug works by stimulating beta-2 adrenergic receptors located primarily in the smooth muscle lining of the bronchial tubes. Stimulation of these receptors causes the muscles to relax, which opens the airways and allows air to flow more freely into the lungs.
The body’s response to this drug is systemic because beta-receptors are not exclusively located in the lungs. When the SABA enters the bloodstream, it can stimulate beta-receptors in other areas, most notably the heart. This action commonly results in a transient side effect known as tachycardia, which is a rapid or pounding heartbeat.
Other common side effects include shaking or trembling, nervousness, dizziness, or a headache. These effects may be more pronounced or unexpected in a person who does not have underlying airway constriction and whose body is not accustomed to the drug’s action. Even at a therapeutic dose, the physiological response can be alarming to an unprescribed user, leading to anxiety or distress.
Risks of Medication Mismatch and Contamination
Not all inhalers serve the same purpose, creating a risk of medication mismatch when using an unprescribed device. Asthma treatments are typically divided into two categories: rescue and controller medications. Rescue inhalers, which contain SABAs, provide immediate relief during an acute attack by relaxing the airways.
Controller inhalers, however, contain medications like inhaled corticosteroids or Long-Acting Beta Agonists (LABAs) and are intended for daily use to reduce chronic airway inflammation. Using a controller inhaler during a sudden breathing emergency is ineffective because it does not provide the rapid bronchodilation necessary for immediate relief. This delay in seeking appropriate treatment can waste precious time during a severe episode.
Sharing the physical device poses a serious risk of cross-contamination. An inhaler’s mouthpiece comes into direct contact with saliva and respiratory secretions. Sharing this device can transmit infectious agents, including the common cold, influenza, or bacterial infections. Pathogens harbored by moisture and respiratory droplets create a pathway for infection, even if the device appears clean.
Prescription Requirements and Supply Concerns
Rescue inhalers containing albuterol are regulated as prescription-only medications in the United States. They are prescribed by a healthcare provider based on a specific diagnosis, dosage needs, and medical history. Using a prescription drug not intended for you bypasses the necessary medical assessment to determine if the medication is safe or appropriate.
Using someone else’s inhaler depletes their supply of a potentially life-saving medication. Individuals with asthma rely on their prescribed device to manage unexpected and severe symptoms. If the device is used for a minor issue, such as breathlessness or vigorous activity, the owner may find their emergency supply is insufficient or empty during a true asthma attack. This risks leaving the owner without their required emergency dose.