Why Might My Asthma Inhalers Change?

Key Information

A blue reliever inhaler can open tight airways and make breathing easier, but on its own it does not treat the inflammation that can also be part of asthma.

For people aged 6 and over, a specific type of combination inhaler can treat airway tightness and inflammation at the same time.

Asthma treatment is individual. Do not change your inhalers yourself just because treatment approaches are changing.

If you have a blue inhaler alone, or use your blue inhaler more than twice a week, let the practice know so your treatment can be reviewed.

Why Is a Blue Inhaler Not the Whole Treatment?

A blue inhaler relaxes the muscles around your airways, opening them up and making breathing easier.

But asthma can also involve inflammation in the airways, making them more sensitive and more likely to narrow again. A blue inhaler on its own can relieve tightness, but it does not treat that inflammation.

Why Are Treatment Approaches Changing?

Asthma treatment has evolved as better ways to control asthma and reduce flare-ups have developed.

For people aged 6 and over, a specific type of combination inhaler can now be used to treat both parts of the problem at the same time. It contains medicine that opens the airways and an inhaled steroid that treats inflammation.

Does Everyone Need to Change Inhaler?

No. Asthma treatment is individual, and not everyone needs the same approach.

If you have separate preventer and reliever inhalers and your asthma is well controlled, that is okay. You do not need to change anything yourself. The team can discuss whether a different approach would benefit you at your next asthma review.

When Should My Treatment Be Reviewed?

How often you need your blue inhaler is one important clue. Using it frequently can be a sign that your asthma itself needs reviewing, not simply a sign that the inhaler is helping.

If you have a blue inhaler alone, or if you use it more than twice a week, please let the practice know so your treatment can be reviewed.

What Happens Next?

If you have a blue inhaler alone, or use it more than twice a week, contact the practice for a treatment review.

If your asthma is well controlled on separate preventer and reliever inhalers, do not change them yourself.

Discuss whether a different approach would benefit you at your next asthma review.