Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the UK, afflecting one in every eleven people to varying degrees. It is characterised by shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and coughing.
Most people can effectively control their asthma. However, other people may experience more severe symptoms.
Asthma symptoms may progressively become worse or suddenly get worse. Although medical professionals may also refer to this as an “exacerbation,” the proper word is “asthma attack.”
A wide range of factors (triggers) can irritate asthmatics, resulting in the narrowing of the airways, tightening of surrounding muscles, and increased mucus production. All of this makes it difficult to breathe. Although it is incurable, inhalers for asthma can help control symptoms and prevent attacks, allowing patients to live normal lives.
The inhalerdelivers drugs directly into the lungs, allowing for faster symptom management. Some inhalers can also be used to provide immediate relief during an attack.
If you have asthma, you’re probably familiar with at least two inhalers: a blue inhaler called a reliever inhaler and brown inhaler (also called preventer inhalers).
Moving forward, we will discuss Reliever inhalers.
What is a reliever inhaler?
The blue inhaler, also known as the reliever inhaler such as Ventolin inhaler, is used for immediate relief of symptoms such as chest tightness or shortness of breath.
Ventolin inhaler contains salbutamol, a short-acting bronchodilator that quickly opens the airways during an asthma attack. The medication works by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing them to open up and make breathing easier, providing immediate relief of symptoms.
Asthmatics should all have a blue inhaler on hand to treat asthma attacks. Make sure it is always with you and easily accessible, especially if you are prone to attacks.
If you use a Ventolin inhaler UK at least three times per week, your asthma may not be under control, and you may require a brown inhaler. For more information, consult your doctor or an asthma nurse.
When to use your inhaler
Use your salbutamol inhaler only when necessary. This could be when you notice symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness, or when you know you’re going to do something that will make you breathless, like climbing stairs or participating in sports.
What makes your reliever inhaler different from your preventer inhaler?
Your reliever inhaler is usually blue. It is only used if your symptoms worsen or if you have an asthma attack. Asthma symptoms are quickly treated with your reliever inhaler.
Your preventative inhalers for asthma are available in a variety of colours. You take it every day as directed to prevent asthma symptoms. Your preventer inhaler controls the inflammation and sensitivity in your airways.
For more details, you can visit PillHub.
