Introduction [edit]. A carboxyl group consists of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen and also bonded to a-OH group. Compounds with carboxyl groups are called carboxylic acids or organic acids. The carboxyl group can act as an acid when by donating a proton (H +) to a solution and becoming ionized.
It therefore makes perfect sense to use the bronchodilator first, wait a few minutes, and then to use the steroid inhaler, after the airways have been opened up and are more relaxed. This way, the steroid can penetrate the lungs more effectively, and get down to decrease inflammation in your smaller airways.
Asthma and pulmonary patients must now use the greener and more expensive HFA inhalers, which the FDA acknowledges have a different feel and taste. Patients must also breathe in deeply when using the four HFA inhalers now on the market: ProAir, Proventil, Ventolin, and Xopenex.