Asthma Reliever Inhalers

Your GP or asthma nurse will provide you with a reliever inhaler. Anyone who has asthma or suspects they have asthma should be given a reliever inhaler.

Make an appointment with your doctor to get a new prescription before your reliever inhaler runs out.

Some inhaler devices include a counter that displays how many doses are left. When the numbers on the counter turn red, it's time to see your doctor about getting a new prescription.

To make things easier, you can order Ventolin Inhalers directly from Ashcroft Pharmacy.

You only use your reliever inhaler when you experience symptoms. It is intended to provide immediate relief when symptoms arise or an asthma attack occurs.

Your written asthma action plan will remind you of the symptoms to watch for and when to use your reliever inhaler.

Using a regular preventer inhaler is the best way for most people with good asthma control to prevent exercise from triggering their symptoms.

Some people with asthma who are triggered by exercise may be advised to use their reliever inhaler before they begin exercising. This can help some people avoid developing symptoms. However, it is critical not to rely on your reliever to exercise.

If you notice that exercise triggers your asthma symptoms, always consult your doctor. They can determine whether your asthma prevention treatment needs to be improved.

Typically, your reliever inhaler is blue. You only use it when your symptoms worsen or you have an asthma attack. Asthma symptoms are treated quickly with your reliever inhaler.

Your preventer inhaler comes in a variety of colours. You take it as directed every day to prevent asthma symptoms. It keeps the inflammation and sensitivity in your airways under control.

Did you know that? You are more likely to have an asthma attack if you use your reliever inhaler on a regular basis and rely on it to manage your symptoms.

This is due to the fact that your reliever does not address the underlying inflammation in your airways.

Asthma inhaler devices can be of various types:

• Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) deliver medicine in the form of a spray (aerosol). Airomir and Ventolin inhalers are two examples. With these, a spacer is recommended.
• When you start inhaling, breath actuated inhalers (BAIs) automatically release a spray of medicine. Easi-breathe and Autohaler are two examples.
• Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) deliver medicine as a dry powder rather than a spray. Accuhaler and Turbohaler are two examples.

Although different inhalers have different advantages, the most important thing is to get the right dose of asthma medication into the lungs so that it can begin working quickly.

Whatever inhaler you are prescribed, you must understand how to use it correctly. Your doctor will work with you to find the best inhaler device for you that is also simple to use. Some inhalers work better with a spacer.

If you're on a MART regimen, you have a single inhaler that contains both a preventer and a reliever medication.

If you experience symptoms, make sure your doctor or an asthma nurse explains how and when to use the reliever part of your MART inhaler.

When asthma symptoms flare up unexpectedly, reliever inhalers are a safe and necessary treatment. They have very few negative side effects.

Some people (1 in 10) report feeling shaky or having their heart beat faster than usual.

These side effects are more likely to occur if you have used more puffs of your reliever inhaler than recommended. They are usually harmless and pass quickly. If you are concerned, consult your doctor or an asthma nurse.

A regular asthma review is the best way to avoid side effects. This means your doctor or asthma nurse can ensure you're doing everything possible to avoid asthma symptoms, such as using your preventer inhaler as directed.

Your preventer inhaler works quietly in the background to keep symptoms at bay in the first place. You won't need to use your reliever inhaler as much if you use it every day, even if you're feeling fine.

1. Keep your reliever inhaler somewhere you can easily and quickly access it if you need it. Also, inform friends and family where you keep it in case of an asthma attack.
   
   
2. When you go out, always bring your reliever inhaler with you. Request that your doctor prescribe you an extra reliever inhaler as a backup for work or driving.
   
   
3. Examine the expiration date. Even if you haven't used all of the medication in your inhaler, you should replace it if it has passed its expiry date. This is usually six months after you first open it. The expiry date can be found on the bottom of the box or on the side of the canister.
   
   
4. When not in use, always keep the cap on your reliever inhaler. Small objects may become lodged in the mouthpiece if the cap is not used, especially if you carry your inhaler in your bag. This is risky because you may end up inhaling them when you next use your inhaler.
   
   
5. Keep your reliever inhaler at room temperature. Extreme temperatures and altitudes can have an impact on the medication in your reliever inhaler. Check the label on your inhaler for storage instructions, or seek advice from your doctor or an asthma nurse.
   
   
6. Check that your reliever inhaler has enough medicine in it, especially if you're going on vacation or during the holidays when your GP surgery is closed.