What should you know about SABA asthma treatment?

SABA means short-acting beta agonist. It acts on airway muscles, helping them relax so air can move more easily. It may ease wheezing, cough and chest tightness during an asthma flare, but it does not remove the underlying airway inflammation. Relief that is brief, incomplete or increasingly needed can mean asthma control needs review.

Triggers can include viral infections, exercise, smoke, allergens such as house dust mites, or conditions such as allergic rhinitis. A reliever inhaler is different from a preventer medicine, so follow the plan prescribed for you.

Use the inhaler exactly as shown by your clinician, with a spacer if advised, and check the technique regularly. Keep it available and check that it has not expired. Record when symptoms occur and how often you need relief. If you need the SABA more often than your written plan allows, arrange an asthma review rather than repeatedly increasing use yourself. Your clinician may check inhaler technique, triggers and preventer treatment.

Get urgent help if breathing is rapidly worsening, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue or grey, you feel exhausted or confused, or the reliever is not providing the expected relief. Sit upright, follow your personal asthma action plan and seek emergency help when it directs you to do so.

Ask whether your inhaler technique is correct, when to use a spacer, how your reliever fits with preventer treatment, which triggers to avoid, and what your personal emergency plan says.