Asthma Inhaler - Types and Usage

An asthma inhaler is a medical device used to deliver medication directly into the lungs, providing quick relief or long-term control of asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Asthma Inhaler FAQ

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What is an asthma inhaler?

An asthma inhaler is a device used for the treatment of asthma. It delivers medication to your lungs by breathing it in (inhaling). Written by a GP.

What is an inhaler used for?

An inhaler is a device containing a medicine that you take by breathing in (inhaling). Inhalers are the main treatment for asthma and help to control asthma symptoms. There are many different types of inhaler, which can be confusing.

Are asthma inhalers a steroid or bronchodilator?

Asthma inhalers contain prescription medications that are breathed directly into the lungs to relieve or prevent asthma symptoms. They may contain a steroid medication that reduces airway inflammation or a bronchodilator medication that opens the airways. Some inhalers contain both.

What are the different types of asthma inhalers?

There are different asthma inhaler devices that deliver the same medicine. In the treatment of asthma, the medicine inside inhalers can be divided into: Relievers (short-acting bronchodilators). Preventers (steroid inhalers). Long-acting bronchodilators.

How do asthma inhalers work?

The aim of treatment with asthma inhalers is to manage asthma symptoms so that the reliever inhaler should almost never be needed. Inhalers that contain medicines called sodium cromoglicate (brand name Intal®) or nedocromil (brand name Tilade®) are sometimes used as preventers, particularly in adults and in children aged over 5 years.