Preventive Inhalers for Asthma Management

Preventive inhalers are maintenance medications used to manage and prevent asthma symptoms from occurring. They are taken regularly to control inflammation in the airways.

Preventive Inhalers FAQ

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What is a preventer inhaler used for?

Unlike reliever inhalers (such as Ventolin), which help treat the symptoms of an asthma attack that has already started, preventers are used to stop an attack from happening before your lungs have a chance to become inflamed. What types of asthma preventer are there? There are several different types of preventer inhaler.

What type of Medicine is used in preventer inhalers?

The type of medicine commonly used in preventer inhalers is a steroid. Steroids work by reducing the inflammation in the airways. When the inflammation is reduced, the airways are much less likely to become narrow and cause symptoms such as wheezing.

What is the difference between a reliever and a preventer inhaler?

Dr Krishna Vakharia, GP and clinical director at Patient.info explains the difference between the two main types of inhaler: "Reliever inhalers are used to treat asthma symptoms when they occur, whereas preventer inhalers are used every day to reduce inflammation of the airways and help prevent symptoms of asthma.

What is a preventer in a Ventolin inhaler?

What are preventers? Preventers are a type of asthma inhaler, usually brown, purple, red or orange in colour. They are used by people who need regular treatment for their asthma and are usually used if you are having to use your Ventolin inhaler more than once or twice a week.

Should I use a preventer inhaler if I have asthma?

Avoiding an asthma attack or COPD flare-up will help you stay well and out of hospital, so you’ll have less symptoms and need to use fewer reliever inhalers overall. This is good for you and the environment. Read more about how your preventer inhaler lowers your risk of asthma symptoms and asthma attacks.

What is a preventer inhaler?

A preventer inhaler is the main way to treat asthma. It contains a low dose of steroid medicine to keep down inflammation and swelling in your airways. Giving the medicine through an inhaler means it can get to your airways more easily.

How often should I use a preventer inhaler?

You use a preventer inhaler every day to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of your airways, which stops your symptoms occurring. It's important to use it even when you do not have symptoms. Speak to a GP or asthma nurse if you continue to have symptoms while using a preventer inhaler.

Are preventer inhalers safe?

Preventer inhalers are the safest and best way for most people to lower their risk of asthma symptoms and attacks. As with all medicines, there are possible side effects. But the risk of side effects from taking a low dose of inhaled preventer medicine is very small.