What should you know about types of inhalers for asthma?

A reliever inhaler works quickly to relax tightened airway muscles during symptoms such as wheezing, cough, or chest tightness. A preventer inhaler is taken on a schedule, even when breathing feels normal, to calm airway inflammation and reduce flare-ups. Some people are prescribed a combination inhaler that provides ongoing anti-inflammatory treatment alongside symptom relief, according to an individual plan.

Devices include pressurised inhalers, dry-powder inhalers, and soft-mist inhalers. Each requires a different breathing technique. A spacer can make a pressurised inhaler easier to use and can reduce medicine remaining in the mouth. Nebuliser treatment is a different delivery method used in selected situations, often when symptoms are severe or a person cannot use an inhaler effectively.

Ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch your technique, then follow the prescribed schedule and keep an updated asthma action plan. Rinse your mouth after an inhaled steroid if advised, clean the device as directed, and check its dose indicator. Do not share inhalers or substitute one device for another without advice.

Notice how often the reliever is needed. Increasing use, night symptoms, or reduced activity can mean the asthma plan needs review. Allergic rhinitis and house dust mite allergy may also aggravate symptoms in some people.

Follow your action plan during worsening symptoms. Seek emergency help if breathing is rapidly deteriorating, speech is difficult, lips look blue or grey, the reliever is not helping, or severe chest tightness persists. A chronic cough or frequent wheezing also warrants a clinical review.

Ask which inhaler is the reliever, which is the preventer, how many doses to use, whether a spacer suits you, and when nebuliser treatment or urgent assessment is needed.