What to expect from inhaler therapy for asthma

Preventer inhalers reduce inflammation in the airways when used regularly. Reliever inhalers open narrowed airways and are used according to your action plan for symptoms. Some people use a combination inhaler, while others have separate devices. The correct choice depends on age, symptoms, triggers, lung function and other health factors.

A clinician may watch you use the device because small technique errors can leave medicine in the mouth instead of the lungs. A spacer can make a pressurised inhaler easier to use and help more medicine reach the airways. Rinse your mouth after a steroid inhaler if advised.

Use the preventer on the schedule prescribed, even when breathing feels settled. Keep the reliever accessible and check the dose counter or supply before travel. Ask for a written asthma action plan covering ordinary symptoms, worsening symptoms and emergency steps. Do not change doses or stop a preventer without clinical advice.

At review, discuss night waking, exercise limitation, wheeze, cough, reliever use and possible triggers. Bring every inhaler to the appointment so technique and device choice can be checked.

Follow your action plan when symptoms worsen. Seek urgent help if breathing remains difficult after using the reliever as directed, you cannot speak comfortably, your lips look blue, you become drowsy, or symptoms progress quickly. Repeated need for a reliever, night symptoms or reduced activity should prompt a treatment review even if an emergency has not occurred.

Ask which inhaler is a preventer, which is a reliever, how many doses to use, whether a spacer is suitable, how to clean the device, and when your plan should be reviewed.