What should you know about a purple inhaler for asthma?

Inhaler colours vary between manufacturers and countries. The label tells you the active medicine, strength and whether the device is intended for regular control or quick relief. Some asthma inhalers reduce airway inflammation over time, while others relax tightened airway muscles. These roles are not interchangeable.

Asthma commonly causes wheezing, cough, chest tightness or breathlessness, but those symptoms can also occur with other conditions. Allergic Rhinitis and House Dust Mite Allergy may accompany airway symptoms, while a persistent cough deserves its own assessment.

Show the inhaler to a clinician or pharmacist and ask them to demonstrate the technique. Check whether it needs shaking, priming, a spacer or a breath held after the dose. Use a preventer on the prescribed schedule even when symptoms are quiet, and track doses if the device has a counter.

Do not change the dose, stop regular treatment or use someone else’s inhaler based on colour. Keep an updated written asthma plan and check the expiry date and storage instructions.

Seek emergency help if breathing is rapidly worsening, speaking is difficult, lips look blue or grey, you feel faint, or the prescribed reliever is not helping. Sit upright and follow your asthma action plan while help is arranged. Nebuliser Treatment may be used by clinicians in some severe attacks, but it is not a reason to delay emergency care.

Ask what the inhaler contains, whether it is a preventer or reliever, how often to use it, whether a spacer is suitable, and what action to take during worsening wheeze or chest tightness.