What should you know about asthma pumps?

Knowing each pump's name and job prevents confusion during symptoms. Follow the individual label and written asthma action plan because colours, shapes, and instructions vary.

A reliever acts on tightened airway muscles and is used according to the plan when symptoms occur. A preventer reduces airway inflammation over time and is generally taken on a regular schedule, even when breathing feels normal. A combination device contains medicines with complementary roles.

Some treatment plans use a particular combination inhaler for both maintenance and symptom relief, while others use separate devices. Do not swap their roles based on appearance or another person's instructions.

Learn the inhalation pattern for each device: a pressurised spray usually needs a slow breath coordinated with actuation, while a dry-powder device commonly needs a forceful, deep breath. A compatible spacer can simplify use of a pressurised inhaler. Rinse and spit after a corticosteroid dose.

Check dose counters, expiry dates, mouthpieces, and storage instructions. Keep pumps away from excessive heat and moisture. At reviews, demonstrate your technique and discuss night waking, activity limits, missed preventer doses, and how often relief is needed.

Severe difficulty breathing, inability to finish sentences, blue or grey lips, exhaustion, confusion, or collapse requires emergency help. Use the prescribed emergency steps in your action plan while assistance is arranged.

Contact a clinician promptly if relief is incomplete, wears off much sooner than expected, or symptoms are recurring overnight. An empty device, poor technique, an airway trigger, or worsening asthma may need attention; adding unplanned doses can obscure the problem.

Ask which pump is for sudden symptoms, which must be continued routinely, and whether any combination device has two roles. Confirm the signs that trigger a treatment change, the correct spacer if needed, and what to do when the dose counter reaches empty.