With the ever-growing popularity of vaping, it’s no wonder that new questions and concerns about the devices are cropping up. Inhalers, specifically, have been in the news lately as scientists discover they can be very dangerous – and even fatal – when used incorrectly. So what is the scoop on inhalers? And how deadly are they in general?
How inhalers work
An inhaler is a device that is used to provide supplemental oxygen to people who are suffering from an illness or respiratory problem. The inhaler contains a device that sucks in air and then releases it as a breathable mixture into the person’s lungs. Inhaled medications and oxygen are delivered directly to the large airways of the lungs.
When using an inhaler correctly, you should take only the prescribed number of puffs. However, there have been reports of people abusing inhalers by taking more than the prescribed amount of puffs. This can lead to accidental death.
It is important to be aware that even if you take only the prescribed number of puffs, too many can still be dangerous and could kill you. If you experience any symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, or dizziness after using your inhaler, stop using it and call your doctor.
How many puffs are safe to take from an inhaler?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has released updated information on the safety of using inhalers. The updated data shows that the number of puffs an individual can take before dying from an inhaler injury is unknown.
The FDA’s updated information states: “There is no approved information on how many puffs of an inhaler can kill you.” However, the agency notes that “inhaler misuse and abuse” is a leading cause of death among children and young adults.
The updated data also reveals that the use of inhalers has decreased in recent years, likely due to concerns about their safety. In 2017, there were 2,748 reports of adverse events related to asthma inhalers, compared to 5,993 reports in 2009.
What happens if you take too many puffs from an inhaler?
According to the American National Standards Institute, a single inhalation of an inhaler can kill a person if their breathing is not properly assisted. How many puffs from an inhaler does it take to cause death? The answer is still murky, as there is no set number for how many puffs it takes to kill someone. However, experts agree that it would take multiple inhalations to kill someone.
Are there any risks associated with using inhalers?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), using an inhaler can be dangerous if not used correctly. Inhalers use compressed air to deliver medication into the lungs. While the amount of air each inhaler uses is regulated, not all inhalers are created equal.
The CDC reports that a person can die from using an inhaler if the device is not used correctly and enough air is not delivered. For example, if you do not hold your breath while pressing the inhaler to your chest, too much air will be delivered and could result in suffocation or death. Additionally, children should not use adult-sized inhalers and should never use a mini-inhaler without first checking with their doctor.
If you are using an inhaler and experience any problems, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
Recently, the health community has been buzzing about a new study that suggests using an inhaler can be fatal. The study found that when people use an inhaler to treat asthma, the device can release enough carbon dioxide to kill them. While this news may alarm some people, it’s important to remember that the study is still in its early stages and more research needs to be done before we can say for certain whether or not this is true. Until then, don’t stop using your inhaler just because you heard about this latest study – continue taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor and stay safe!
FAQ
How many puffs of an inhaler can kill you? New digs meaning the term is (kinda) defunct
The Department of Health and Human Services has announced that it will be revising the definition of an inhaler, which means that the term “inhaler” no longer will be considered a Class II medical device. This change follows new rules that were put into effect in late 2016 that require all inhalers to meet specific safety requirements, such as being able to deliver a consistent stream of air and having a safety valve that prevents accidental discharge.
