Using someone else’s prescription asthma inhaler is strongly discouraged because the device and the medicine are individualized to the owner’s specific medical needs. While the decision to use a borrowed inhaler is often made in a moment of breathing distress, this action introduces unpredictable medical and health safety risks. An asthma inhaler is a specialized delivery device that sends a measured dose of medication directly into the lungs to manage a chronic condition. Because the drug and the physical device are tailored to one person, using it without a prescription can lead to complications, from an inadequate dose to the transmission of illness.
The Medical Mismatch: Why Prescriptions Are Individualized
The greatest risk in using a borrowed inhaler is encountering a drug that is not appropriate for the current medical situation or personal health profile. Asthma inhalers fall into two main categories: relievers and controllers, and confusing them can have significant consequences. Reliever or rescue inhalers, which commonly contain a short-acting bronchodilator like albuterol, are designed to work quickly by relaxing the muscles around the airways during an acute attack. Using a rescue inhaler when it is not strictly necessary can still cause side effects, such as nervousness, tremors, or an increased heart rate.
Controller or maintenance inhalers, however, contain different medications, often inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators, and are taken daily to reduce airway inflammation over time. If a person experiencing acute breathing difficulty mistakenly uses a controller inhaler, it will not provide the rapid relief needed because these drugs are not formulated to address an immediate crisis. This delay in receiving effective treatment can be extremely dangerous during a severe asthma attack.
Another layer of risk relates to the precise dosage of the medication itself. A prescription is determined based on the owner’s age, weight, the severity of their condition, and other individual health factors. Using a borrowed inhaler means the user is taking an unknown dose of a drug not calibrated to their body. This can result in receiving too much medication, leading to side effects like heart palpitations or high blood pressure, or receiving too little, which leaves the breathing problem unresolved.
Contamination and Shared Device Hazards
Beyond the pharmacological concerns, sharing an inhaler introduces health hazards related to hygiene and cross-contamination. An asthma inhaler’s mouthpiece comes into direct contact with the user’s mouth and respiratory tract, making it a potential vector for infectious pathogens. Using a shared device can transmit common respiratory illnesses, including cold viruses, influenza, or more serious infections like strep throat.
The risk of bacterial or viral transmission is heightened because inhalers are rarely sterilized between uses and are often stored in non-sterile environments like pockets or bags. Studies have shown that sharing metered-dose inhalers carries a risk of microbial transmission between patients.
A final hygiene risk is the transmission of fungal infections, such as oral candidiasis (oral thrush). This is a common side effect for users of inhaled corticosteroids who do not rinse their mouth after using their maintenance inhaler. If the owner has failed to rinse their mouth, residual fungal spores could remain on the mouthpiece, exposing the user to a new infection.
Immediate Actions and When to Seek Help
If you have used someone else’s inhaler, the first step is to carefully monitor your body for any unexpected reactions. Watch for symptoms suggesting an over-response to the medication, such as unusual jitters, excessive nervousness, or a rapid or pounding heartbeat. Other concerning signs include dizziness, a throbbing headache, or chest tightness that was not present before using the device.
It is recommended to contact a healthcare professional or a poison control center immediately, even if you feel fine. Provide them with the name of the inhaler’s medication, if known, and the number of puffs taken. This consultation allows a medical expert to assess the specific drug and dosage against your personal health history to determine the best course of action.
You must seek emergency medical help by calling 911 if you experience severe symptoms. These include fainting, difficulty breathing that worsens, a persistent and irregular heart rhythm, or signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat. Inform the inhaler’s owner immediately so they can check their medication supply and arrange for a replacement.