The Difference Between Controller Inhalers and Rescue Inhalers

When you think of asthma medication, you might think of inhalers. Inhalers are the most commonly used device for asthma treatment as they can deliver the medication directly to the lungs. Inhalers have been around for decades now and have evolved over the ages. Today there are many types of inhaler devices - the standard metered-dose inhaler (MDI), dry powder inhaler (DPI), and more. There’s no single best inhaler for asthma and the type of inhaler you use is a personal preference. But when it comes to their use based on the medication, they can be broadly separated into two types: rescue inhalers and controller inhalers. When you consult a doctor for your asthma treatment, you might be prescribed both these types of inhalers. It is important to know the difference between these two inhaler types and know when to use them.

Controller Inhalers For Asthma

Sometimes also referred to as maintenance inhalers, controller inhalers are asthma inhalers that can be used over a long term to manage asthma symptoms, making them the most important aspect of asthma management. When used regularly, they can help keep the symptoms in check, reduce the severity of the symptoms, and also reduce the risk of an asthma attack. Controller medications are of many different types including inhaled corticosteroids, Leukotriene modifiers that come as oral tablets, and combination inhalers that contain both a corticosteroid and a LABA.

When To Use Controller Inhalers

Controller inhalers are most commonly prescribed for daily use and your doctor can tell you how when you should use your inhaler depending on your condition. Following a proper controller medication regimen can significantly improve your conditions over a long time, so you should try not to miss any doses to get the maximum benefits and manage your asthma symptoms with ease.

Rescue Inhalers For Asthma

Rescue inhalers refer to asthma inhalers that come with quick-relief medicines that act rapidly. This short-acting rescue medication is used to relieve acute asthma symptoms or in case of an asthma attack. When breathing suddenly becomes difficult due to any reason, a rescue inhaler is recommended as it can begin working within minutes. Quick-relief medication includes salbutamol and levosalbutamol. These help in quickly opening the lungs by relaxing airway muscles.

When To Use Rescue Inhalers

Rescue inhalers are recommended for emergency use but your doctor might also recommend using the inhaler before high-intensity exercise to reduce the chances of an asthma attack. If you don't experience severe symptoms or don't have asthma attacks, you might be able to manage your condition without having to use rescue inhalers. But it is generally still recommended to keep rescue asthma inhalers handy as they can prevent asthma attacks from becoming serious in case you do have them.

Now that you know the different inhaler types, be sure to use them in the way that your doctor has prescribed as overuse of medication can cause unwanted side effects. If you do find yourself using your reliever more frequently, your asthma might not be in control and you should consult your doctor to figure out asthma can change over time and your medication might have to change accordingly to ensure that it is having the desired effect.

References:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/asthma-medications/art-20045557

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