This can be confusing. Because there are lots of different-coloured inhalers available, it is helpful to remember their names, as well as the colour of the device. This might be important if you need to see a doctor who does not have your medical records - for example:. It might be helpful to keep a list of the names of your medicines and inhalers in your wallet or purse.
This information will prevent mistakes and confusion. In the treatment of asthma, the medicine inside inhalers can be grouped into relievers short-acting bronchodilators , preventers steroid inhalers and long-acting bronchodilators. Book a consultation with a local pharmacist via Patient Access at a time that's convenient for you.
You can take a reliever inhaler as required to ease symptoms when you are breathless, wheezy or tight-chested. The medicine in a reliever inhaler relaxes the muscle in the airways. This opens the airways wider, and symptoms usually quickly ease. These medicines are called bronchodilators as they widen dilate the airways bronchi. The two main reliever medicines are salbutamol and terbutaline.
These come in various brands made by different companies. There are different inhaler devices that deliver the same reliever medicine. These inhalers are often but not always blue in colour. Other inhalers containing different medicines can be blue too. Always read the label. If you only have symptoms every now and then, the occasional use of a reliever inhaler may be all that you need. If you need a reliever three times a week or more to ease symptoms, a preventer inhaler is usually advised.
These are taken every day to prevent symptoms from developing. The type of medicine commonly used in preventer inhalers is a steroid. Steroids work by reducing the inflammation in the airways. When the inflammation has gone, the airways are much less likely to become narrow and cause symptoms such as wheezing. Steroid inhalers are usually taken twice per day. If you have an exacerbation flare-up of your asthma symptoms, you may be advised to take the preventer inhaler more often.
It takes days for the steroid in a preventer inhaler to build up its effect. This means it will not give any immediate relief of symptoms like a reliever does. After a week or so of treatment with a preventer, the symptoms have often gone, or are much reduced.
It can, however, take up to six weeks for maximum benefit. If your asthma symptoms are well controlled with a regular preventer you may then not need to use a reliever inhaler very often, if at all. However, they do not usually work as well as steroids.
Bone strength density may be reduced following long-term use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids. Therefore people who use steroid inhalers for asthma need to make sure they have a good supply of calcium in their diet. Milk is a good source of calcium but dairy products may need to be avoided for some people with asthma.
Other good dietary sources of calcium include:. See the separate leaflet called Preventing Steroid-induced Osteoporosis. The medicines in these inhalers function in a similar way to relievers, but work for up to 12 hours after each dose has been taken. A long-acting bronchodilator may be advised in addition to a steroid inhaler if symptoms are not fully controlled by the steroid inhaler alone. Some brands of inhaler contain a steroid plus a long-acting bronchodilator for people who need both to control their symptoms.
Examples of combination inhalers are:. An asthma attack can be life-threatening, and recurrent asthma attacks even if they are mild can worsen your condition by causing stiffness and scarring of your lungs. It's important that you understand the intended use of each inhaler you use.
In addition, avoiding your triggers e. Get our printable guide for your next appointment with your healthcare provider to help you ask the right questions. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Asthma treatment. Sept Diagnosis and management of asthma in adults: A review. Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
Chronic inflammation and asthma. Mutat Res. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Inhaled asthma medications. Cleveland Clinic. January 30, Clinical predictors of asthmatics in identifying subgroup requiring long-term tiotropium add-on therapy: A real-world study.
J Thorac Dis. Anticholinergic medications. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Hamelmann E. Corrigendum to "Managing severe asthma: A role for the long-acting muscarinic antagonist tiotropium". Biomed Res Int. These devices release a low-velocity aerosol mist that can be slowly inhaled over a longer period of time than metered dose and dry powder inhalers. Soft mist inhalers can be used with a valved holding chamber or a face mask in children.
Some people can't use a standard metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler. Other types include:. Work with your doctor to determine which type of inhaler will work best for you. Have your doctor, pharmacist or other health provider show you how to use it. Using your inhaler correctly is critical in ensuring you get the correct dose of medication to keep your asthma under control.
Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble using your inhaler, or if it seems like you're not getting enough medication. Replace your inhaler if it has passed its expiration date or it shows that all the doses have been used. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.
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You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Dry powder inhalers or DPIs deliver medication, but they require a strong and fast inhalation. Unlike short-acting inhalers, long-acting inhalers do not work on muscle inflammation directly. Instead, they help the airways relax, allowing more air to pass through.
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