What should you know about inhalator asthma?

A reliever inhaler is used for sudden wheeze, cough, chest tightness, or breathlessness according to your action plan. A preventer inhaler is taken regularly to calm airway inflammation and reduce flare-ups; it may not give immediate relief. Some people use a combination inhaler, and the correct choice depends on the pattern and severity of their asthma. Symptoms can also overlap with Allergic Rhinitis or Chronic Cough, so an inhaler should not be borrowed or started without assessment.

Use the inhaler exactly as prescribed and ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch your technique. Breathe in at the right speed for the device, and use a spacer when advised. Keep track of how often you need the reliever and carry it as directed. Rinse and spit after a steroid-containing inhaler. Reduce known triggers, including House Dust Mite Allergy exposures where relevant, but do not stop a preventer because you feel well.

Follow your written asthma plan during worsening symptoms. Get emergency help if you cannot speak comfortably, breathing is rapidly worsening, lips look blue or grey, you feel confused or faint, or your reliever is not helping. Arrange a prompt review when night symptoms, frequent reliever use, or activity limitation continues.

Ask which inhaler is the reliever, which is the preventer, how to recognise an asthma flare, and whether a spacer or Nebuliser Treatment is appropriate in an emergency plan.