MART asthma inhalers explained

MART means maintenance-and-reliever therapy. The inhaler contains an inhaled corticosteroid to reduce airway inflammation and a fast-acting bronchodilator to open narrowed airways. You take scheduled doses and may take additional doses when symptoms begin, but only within the limits in your personal action plan. This approach is used for some people with asthma; it is not automatically suitable for every inhaler or every person. COPD needs a different assessment and treatment plan.

Have a clinician check your inhaler technique, dose, device, and maximum permitted doses. Keep the inhaler accessible, record how often you need extra doses, and arrange review if reliance on them increases. Rinse your mouth after corticosteroid-containing doses if advised. Do not add a separate reliever or change the schedule without checking your written plan. Spirometry may help confirm the diagnosis or assess control.

Follow your action plan and seek emergency help if breathing remains difficult after the advised reliever doses, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you become drowsy or confused, or symptoms worsen quickly. Get prompt review for frequent night waking, increasing wheeze, persistent cough, or needing extra doses more often than your plan allows.

Ask whether MART is suitable for your asthma, which inhaler strength and device you should use, and what the maximum daily doses are. Request a written action plan, a technique check, and clear instructions for exercise, travel, and an asthma flare.