Do you need a combination, preventer, or reliever inhaler?

Asthma is a lung disease that causes several symptoms, including chest tightness, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. These issues occur due to the narrowing of the airways, which impedes airflow. Inhalers can help people with asthma manage symptoms. Here are the three types of inhalers for asthma:

Ø  Reliever inhalers: Also known as bronchodilators, relievers are fast-acting asthma medicines. They relieve asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, and chest tightness. Doctors prescribe reliever inhalers to asthma patients to help them treat or prevent the symptoms. Reliever inhalers, like Ventolin, are blue in colour. You can use your blue asthma inhaler when you start experiencing asthma symptoms. Ventolin inhalers contain salbutamol, an active drug ingredient that improves breathing by relaxing the airway muscles and opening the airways. You can buy a Ventolin inhaler online in the UK to manage the symptoms. Asthma attacks can happen at any time. Ensure you always carry your blue asthma inhaler.

Ø  Preventer inhalers: People with asthma can use preventer inhalers that deliver a low corticosteroid dose to the lungs. Inflammation in the airways contributes to airway hyper-responsiveness and asthma symptoms. Unlike steroids used by bodybuilders, corticosteroids mimic the hormone cortisol produced naturally by the human body. The active ingredient in preventer inhalers reduces inflammation in the airways, controls asthma symptoms, and prevents asthma attacks.

Ø  Combination inhalers: Doctors prescribe combination inhalers to help their patients control asthma symptoms in the long term. These inhalers combine corticosteroids and long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs). Think of combination inhalers as two-in-one devices with reliever and preventer asthma medicine. First, preventer corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways. Second, LABAs widen constricted airways to improve airflow into the lungs and provide ongoing relief from symptoms. Examples of combination inhalers include Advair HFA, Advair Diskus, Symbicort, Dulera, and Breo Ellipta.

Most people with asthma use preventer and reliever inhalers. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the best inhaler to manage asthma symptoms.

Combination, preventer, and reliever inhalers help people with asthma manage the symptoms. Each option has different colours. Preventers are orange or yellow, while relievers are blue. You can use a blue asthma inhaler as needed to relieve symptoms. Preventers and combination inhalers are used daily, even when the patient is feeling well. Preventer inhalers reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of the airways. But they don’t provide quick relief from asthma symptoms. So, you’ll need a blue asthma inhaler to treat the symptoms once they start occurring.

Combination and reliever inhalers contain bronchodilators that open the airways. But they are not the same. Combination inhalers have long-acting bronchodilators. So, they don't provide quick relief. You'll need a blue asthma inhaler with a fast-acting bronchodilator to treat the symptoms quickly and efficiently. You can buy a Ventolin inhaler to manage your asthma. Another difference between combination and reliever inhalers is the side effects. Combination inhalers have corticosteroids and long-acting bronchodilators. So, they combine the side effects of preventer and reliever inhalers. Some people experience sore throat, hoarse voice, and oral thrush after inhaling corticosteroids. Ventolin inhalers have few side effects, such as shakiness and a faster heartbeat. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience severe complications.  

The main similarity between preventer and reliever inhalers is the form of their content. Both come in three options, including metered dose inhalers (MDIs), dry powder inhalers (DPIs), and breath-actuated inhalers (BAIs). These inhalers deliver asthma medicine into the patient’s lungs. The active ingredient in MDIs and BAIs is in a spray form. But BAIs only release the spray when you start to inhale.

People with asthma experience different symptoms. The severity of the condition also varies from one person to another. So, buy an asthma inhaler that addresses your unique health needs. Doctors prescribe preventers to adults who experience asthma symptoms twice or more monthly. You may also need a preventer inhaler if the condition interferes with your sleeping patterns. But a preventer inhaler alone cannot control all asthma symptoms. So, doctors prescribe a preventer and reliever inhaler together to asthma patients. You can buy a Ventolin inhaler online and use it with your preventer inhaler. This approach can help you manage the symptoms more effectively.

Asthma symptoms and attacks occur at any time without warning. The best medicine should address both issues quickly. Unfortunately, preventers and combination inhalers take several days or weeks to work. These medications don’t provide quick relief from the symptoms. A Ventolin inhaler with a fast-acting bronchodilator is the best quick-relief asthma medicine. The effects of salbutamol kick in within minutes and last for up to 4 hours. You can buy a Ventolin inhaler online in the UK to treat the symptoms and manage asthma attacks. 

Inhalers are the go-to treatment option for people with asthma. But you need to adhere to the best practices to maximize their benefits. Here are four FAQs about asthma inhalers:

Can anyone use reliever inhalers?

Patients of all ages can use reliever inhalers to treat or prevent the symptoms. Doctors adjust the Ventolin depending on the severity of the condition, age, and response to treatment. A blue asthma inhaler with salbutamol is also safe for pregnant women.

Can a preventer inhaler be used as a reliever?

No, you can’t use a preventer inhaler as a reliever. Corticosteroids in preventer inhalers are not fast-acting. So, these inhalers don’t provide immediate relief from symptoms. You’ll need to take your blue asthma inhaler if you experience asthma symptoms or an asthma attack.

When should you use a reliever inhaler?

Ventolin inhalers are used on an as-needed basis. You can use your blue asthma inhaler as soon as asthma symptoms appear. Salbutamol also prevents exercise-induced bronchospasm. So, you can use your Ventolin inhaler before engaging in rigorous physical activities. 

What is the recommended dose of Ventolin inhalers?

Doctors recommend one or two inhalations of Ventolin every 4 to 6 hours. You can take two puffs 15-30 minutes before engaging in physical activities. Always carry your blue asthma inhaler and follow your doctor’s dosage and usage instructions.

People with asthma can use combination, preventer, or reliever inhalers to manage asthma symptoms. A reliever inhaler, like Ventolin, contains a fast-acting bronchodilator. This blue asthma inhaler is safe for patients of all ages and provides quick relief from the symptoms. You can buy a Ventolin inhaler online in the UK to treat and manage asthma symptoms. Ensure you get your blue asthma inhaler from a trusted and registered pharmacy.