For people with asthma or COPD, inhalers are the cornerstone of treatment, delivering medicine straight to the lungs where it is needed. Yet many people mix up their inhalers or use them incorrectly, which means the medicine never works as it should. Understanding the two main jobs inhalers do is the key to breathing easier.
Why medicine is inhaled
Sending medicine directly into the airways means it acts quickly and with a much smaller amount than a tablet would need, reducing side effects elsewhere in the body. But because the target is the lungs, getting the medicine past your mouth and throat depends heavily on good technique.
Reliever inhalers
Relievers, often blue, contain medicine that quickly relaxes the muscles around tight airways during symptoms or an attack. They act within minutes and are your rescue option. Needing your reliever often, however, is an important warning sign that the underlying condition is not well controlled.
Preventer inhalers
Preventers usually contain a low dose of steroid that calms inflammation in the airways over time. They are taken regularly, every day, even when you feel well, to stop symptoms developing in the first place. Because they work gradually, skipping them when you feel fine undermines the whole strategy.
Key distinction
Relievers treat symptoms now; preventers stop symptoms happening later. Most people with persistent asthma need both, used in the right way.
Technique makes the difference
- Shake the inhaler if instructed and breathe out fully first.
- Seal your lips around the mouthpiece and breathe in as you press, slowly and deeply.
- Hold your breath for about ten seconds if you can.
- For steroid preventers, rinse your mouth afterwards to reduce the risk of oral thrush.
- Consider a spacer device, which can greatly improve how much medicine reaches your lungs.
Emergency warning
If a reliever inhaler is not helping, breathing is very difficult, you cannot speak in full sentences, or lips or fingertips turn blue, treat it as an emergency. Call 911 (US/Canada), 999 (UK), or 112 (EU) immediately.
Having a written action plan
An asthma or COPD action plan, agreed with your clinician, tells you exactly what to do as symptoms change, from everyday control to when to seek emergency help. Regular reviews also let your clinician check your technique and adjust your medicines.
Review your inhalers
Unsure which inhaler does what, or whether your technique is right? A licensed doctor on iHealix can review your treatment and help you get the most from every dose.
This article is informational only. Always follow your prescribed plan and confirm any changes with a qualified healthcare professional.