What is the difference between asthma inhalers

Inhalers can have generic names and be produced by different drug companies too. For some medicines there are different inhaler devices that deliver the same medicine. This means that there are many types of inhaler available on prescription, all of which are produced in different colours. This can be confusing. Because there are lots of different-coloured inhalers available, it is helpful to remember their names, as well as the colour of the device.

This might be important if you need to see a doctor who does not have your medical records - for example:. It might be helpful to keep a list of the names of your medicines and inhalers in your wallet or purse. This information will prevent mistakes and confusion. In the treatment of asthma, the medicine inside inhalers can be grouped into relievers short-acting bronchodilators , preventers steroid inhalers and long-acting bronchodilators. Book a consultation with a local pharmacist via Patient Access at a time that's convenient for you.

You can take a reliever inhaler as required to ease symptoms when you are breathless, wheezy or tight-chested. The medicine in a reliever inhaler relaxes the muscle in the airways. This opens the airways wider, and symptoms usually quickly ease.

These medicines are called bronchodilators as they widen dilate the airways bronchi. The two main reliever medicines are salbutamol and terbutaline.

These come in various brands made by different companies. There are different inhaler devices that deliver the same reliever medicine. These inhalers are often but not always blue in colour. Other inhalers containing different medicines can be blue too. Always read the label. If you only have symptoms every now and then, the occasional use of a reliever inhaler may be all that you need. If you need a reliever three times a week or more to ease symptoms, a preventer inhaler is usually advised.

These are taken every day to prevent symptoms from developing. The type of medicine commonly used in preventer inhalers is a steroid. Steroids work by reducing the inflammation in the airways.

When the inflammation has gone, the airways are much less likely to become narrow and cause symptoms such as wheezing. Steroid inhalers are usually taken twice per day. If you have an exacerbation flare-up of your asthma symptoms, you may be advised to take the preventer inhaler more often.

It takes days for the steroid in a preventer inhaler to build up its effect. This means it will not give any immediate relief of symptoms like a reliever does. After a week or so of treatment with a preventer, the symptoms have often gone, or are much reduced. It can, however, take up to six weeks for maximum benefit. If your asthma symptoms are well controlled with a regular preventer you may then not need to use a reliever inhaler very often, if at all.

However, they do not usually work as well as steroids. Bone strength density may be reduced following long-term use of high doses of inhaled corticosteroids. Therefore people who use steroid inhalers for asthma need to make sure they have a good supply of calcium in their diet.

Milk is a good source of calcium but dairy products may need to be avoided for some people with asthma. Other good dietary sources of calcium include:. See the separate leaflet called Preventing Steroid-induced Osteoporosis. The medicines in these inhalers function in a similar way to relievers, but work for up to 12 hours after each dose has been taken.

A long-acting bronchodilator may be advised in addition to a steroid inhaler if symptoms are not fully controlled by the steroid inhaler alone. Some brands of inhaler contain a steroid plus a long-acting bronchodilator for people who need both to control their symptoms. Examples of combination inhalers are:.

Different inhaler devices suit different people. Inhaler devices can be divided into four main groups:. A standard MDI is shown above.

The MDI has been used for over 40 years and is used to deliver various types and brands of medicines. It contains a pressurised inactive gas that propels a dose of medicine in each 'puff'. Each dose is released by pressing the top of the inhaler. This type of inhaler is quick to use, small, and convenient to carry. It needs good co-ordination to press the canister and breathe in fully at the same time.

Sometimes these are known as evohalers depending upon the manufacturer. The standard MDI is the most widely used inhaler. However, many people do not use it to its best effect. We'll contact you if there are any issues. Once we receive your prescriptions from the surgery, our pharmacy dispenses and dispatches your medication.

Your prescriptions are dispatched via tracked Royal Mail delivery. Visit our online Asthma clinic for treatment options. It is characterised by wheezing, tightness of the chest, coughing and difficulty in breathing, all caused by inflammation of the airways.

Inhalers are used to deliver drugs straight into the lungs giving quicker drug administration to manage symptoms. Although incurable, inhalers are beneficial in controlling asthmatic symptoms and preventing asthma attacks, allowing sufferers to live normal lives. Some inhalers can also be used during an attack to give immediate benefit. A blue inhaler contains the drug salbutamol and is given under the brands Ventolin and Salamol. Salbutamol is a fast-acting bronchodilator and provides immediate relief of asthmatic symptoms.

It works quickly to relax the muscles in the airways making it easier to breathe. One or two puffs of your blue inhaler should be sufficient to achieve this effect.

This may be due to various triggers, for example, exercise, smoke, pollen or weather changes. You should keep your blue inhaler on you or nearby in case you need it. If your child is asthmatic it may also be beneficial to keep a second blue inhaler at school.

Releasing the medication into the spacer allows you to inhale more slowly, increasing the amount that reaches your lungs. Spacers and holding chambers require a prescription. Rather than a chemical propellant to push the medication out of the inhaler, you release the medication in these inhalers by breathing in a deep, fast breath. There are multiple dose devices, which hold up to doses, and single dose devices, which you fill with a capsule before each treatment.

Soft mist inhalers are propellant-free devices that are slightly larger than conventional metered dose inhalers. These devices release a low-velocity aerosol mist that can be slowly inhaled over a longer period of time than metered dose and dry powder inhalers. Soft mist inhalers can be used with a valved holding chamber or a face mask in children. Some people can't use a standard metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler. Other types include:. Work with your doctor to determine which type of inhaler will work best for you.

Have your doctor, pharmacist or other health provider show you how to use it. Using your inhaler correctly is critical in ensuring you get the correct dose of medication to keep your asthma under control.

Talk to your doctor if you're having trouble using your inhaler, or if it seems like you're not getting enough medication. Replace your inhaler if it has passed its expiration date or it shows that all the doses have been used. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required.

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