Blue Inhaler

Reliever medication relieves symptoms quickly by opening the airways wider and making it easier for you to breathe. Everyone with asthma should have a reliever inhaler and should keep it with them at all times. If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than twice a week it means that your asthma is not controlled and you should see your doctor. 

Brown, Red or Orange Inhaler

Controller medication reduces the inflammation of the airways over time. It does not provide instant relief of symptoms but builds up protection over a period of time. Not everyone will need controller medication but if you do it should be used every day. Using your controller every day will reduce how often you need your reliever and improve your peak flow readings.

Various colours including white and red, purple and green Beclomethasone, Buchesonicle, Fluticasone

For those With poorly controlled asthma, another medication option is a combination inhaler. These inhalers contain both slow acting reliever medication and controller medication.

An LTRA may be used instead of or as well as controller medication to help control your asthma. They are particularly effective for those with exercise-related symptoms. LTRA’s are available as a tablets, chewable tablets and as granules.

Oral steroid tablets may be prescribed for a period of three to five days to regain control of your breathing following an asthma attack.