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

A reliever inhaler is used when you have symptoms and works quickly to open the airways — it is often blue. A preventer inhaler is used every day, even when you feel well, to reduce inflammation and stop symptoms developing. Many people with asthma use both.

How do I use an inhaler correctly?

Technique varies by device, and getting it right ensures the medicine reaches your lungs rather than your mouth and throat. Ask your GP, nurse or pharmacist to check your technique — a spacer device can help, especially for children and older people.

Why do I need to use my preventer inhaler when I feel fine?

Preventer inhalers work by keeping inflammation in the airways under control over time. Skipping them when you feel well allows inflammation to build up again, making symptoms and attacks more likely. Use it daily as prescribed.

A spacer is a plastic chamber that attaches to some inhalers. It makes them easier to use and helps more of the medicine reach the lungs. It is particularly useful for children, older people, and during a flare-up.

Inhalers | HealthAnswers

Quick answer

What is inhalers used for?

Inhalers are devices that deliver medicine straight to the lungs, used for conditions like asthma and COPD. Reliever inhalers ease symptoms quickly when they occur, while preventer inhalers are used daily to keep the airways calm. Using the right technique matters, so the medicine reaches the lungs.

What are inhalers?

Inhalers are small devices that deliver medicine as a spray or powder that you breathe directly into your lungs. Because the medicine goes straight to where it is needed, inhalers are very effective and use small amounts of medicine. They are the mainstay of treatment for conditions such as asthma and COPD.

Reliever and preventer inhalers

There are two main types:

Reliever inhalers ease symptoms quickly when they happen, by relaxing and opening the airways. They are often blue and are used as needed.
Preventer inhalers are used every day, even when you feel well. They reduce inflammation in the airways over time, preventing symptoms and attacks.

Many people with asthma use both — a preventer daily, and a reliever for occasional symptoms. Some people use combination inhalers that do both jobs.

Why technique matters

An inhaler only works if the medicine actually reaches your lungs. Poor technique means much of it ends up in the mouth and throat instead. It is well worth asking your GP, nurse or pharmacist to watch you use yours and check your technique — small adjustments can make a big difference. A spacer device can help.

Staying in control

If you are relying on your reliever inhaler frequently, it is a sign your condition may not be well controlled — speak to your GP or nurse, who may adjust your treatment. Keeping a personal asthma action plan, and attending regular reviews, helps you stay well.

In an emergency

If a reliever inhaler is not helping during an asthma attack, breathing is very difficult, or someone cannot speak in full sentences, treat it as an emergency and call 999.

Common questions

What is the difference between a reliever and a preventer inhaler?: A reliever inhaler is used when you have symptoms and works quickly to open the airways — it is often blue. A preventer inhaler is used every day, even when you feel well, to reduce inflammation and stop symptoms developing. Many people with asthma use both.
How do I use an inhaler correctly?: Technique varies by device, and getting it right ensures the medicine reaches your lungs rather than your mouth and throat. Ask your GP, nurse or pharmacist to check your technique — a spacer device can help, especially for children and older people.
Why do I need to use my preventer inhaler when I feel fine?: Preventer inhalers work by keeping inflammation in the airways under control over time. Skipping them when you feel well allows inflammation to build up again, making symptoms and attacks more likely. Use it daily as prescribed.
What is a spacer?: A spacer is a plastic chamber that attaches to some inhalers. It makes them easier to use and helps more of the medicine reach the lungs. It is particularly useful for children, older people, and during a flare-up.

Sources

NHS — Asthma treatment