Asthma inhalers: Here's a rundown of inhaler types, with tips on proper use.
Inhalers have transformed asthma treatment. They enable children and adults with asthma to deliver medicine directly to their lungs nearly anytime and anywhere. A variety of inhalers are available to help relieve or control asthma symptoms.
Medications delivered through inhalers
Inhalers are used to deliver a variety of asthma medications — some that assist with long-term control and others that provide quick relief of symptoms. Some medications may only be available in certain inhaler types. Inhaled asthma medications include:
- Short-acting bronchodilators. These medications, including albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin) and pirbuterol (Maxair), provide immediate relief of asthma symptoms.
- Long-acting bronchodilators. These medications relieve asthma symptoms for longer periods of time. They include salmeterol (Serevent) and formoterol (Foradil).
- Corticosteroids. Used long term to prevent asthma attacks, these medications include beclomethasone dipropionate (Qvar), fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), triamcinolone acetonide (Azmacort) and flunisolide (Aerobid).
- Cromolyn or nedocromil. These nonsteroidal medications are used long term to prevent inflammation.
- Corticosteroid plus long-acting bronchodilator. This medication combines a corticosteroid and a long-acting bronchodilator (Advair, Symbicort).
Inhalers may come with slightly different instructions. Follow those instructions carefully and ask your doctor for a demonstration.
Last Updated: 08/17/2007
