What should you know about orange puffer asthma?

Asthma inhalers are made in different colours by different manufacturers. An orange device can contain a medicine that reduces airway inflammation when taken regularly, or a different prescribed combination. Read the name on the inhaler, packaging, or prescription rather than relying on colour. A preventer is usually taken on a schedule, even when breathing feels normal. A reliever is used for sudden symptoms such as wheezing, cough, or chest tightness. These roles are not interchangeable.

If symptoms continue despite the prescribed plan, the cause may include missed doses, an incorrect technique, triggers such as allergic rhinitis or house dust mite allergy, or another condition. A clinician can check your breathing and inhaler technique.

Check the medicine name, dose, expiry date, and instructions. Use a preventer exactly as prescribed and do not stop it suddenly without medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or clinician to watch your technique, because breathing too quickly, poor seal, or mistimed inhalation can reduce the medicine reaching the lungs. If the device is a steroid inhaler, rinsing and spitting after use may reduce mouth irritation. Keep a written asthma plan and know which inhaler is for daily control and which is for quick relief.

Seek urgent help if breathing is severely difficult, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you feel faint or confused, or your reliever is not helping as directed. Arrange a prompt review if night symptoms recur, activity is limited, or you need quick-relief medicine more often than planned. Call emergency services for rapidly worsening breathing rather than driving yourself.

Which inhaler is my preventer, and which is my reliever? How many doses should I take, and what should I do after a missed dose? Could my symptoms reflect allergic rhinitis, chronic cough, or another trigger? Can you check my technique and update my written action plan?