There's no cure for asthma. But treatment can help control the symptoms so you're able to live a normal, active life.
Asthma is usually treated by using an inhaler. This a small device that you can use to breathe in medicines.
You might need tablets and other treatments if your asthma is severe.
You'll usually create an asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse.
Inhalers
The 2 main types of inhalers are:
- reliever inhalers - to help relieve symptoms when they happen
- preventer inhalers - to stop symptoms developing
Some people may need a combination inhaler. This is an inhaler that does both.
Watch videos on how to use different types of inhalers - asthma.ie
Reliever inhalers
Your reliever inhaler is usually blue. They help to open your airways when you're having an asthma attack. You should always carry it with you in case you need it.
Reliever inhalers work by relaxing your airways to make them wider, so that you can breathe during an asthma attack.
Talk to your GP if you need this inhaler more than 3 times a week. They might advise that you also use a preventer inhaler.
Your doctor will prescribe a reliever inhaler for you. You can get the inhaler in a pharmacy with a prescription.
Make sure you get a new prescription before your reliever inhaler runs out.
Some inhalers have a counter or an indicator to show how many doses are left. When these turn red, it’s time to get a new prescription.
Reliever inhalers do not have many side effects. But sometimes they can cause shaking or a fast heartbeat. This can happen for a few minutes after you've used them.
Steroid inhalers (preventer)
This inhaler is normally brown. You should always take your preventer inhaler as prescribed, even when you feel fine.
Most people need to take their preventer inhaler twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening.
Preventer inhalers contain steroids. They work by reducing the inflammation in your airways.
A preventer inhaler will not work immediately. But over time it will help you avoid asthma attacks. It can take 2 weeks to work for adults. For children it can take 2 months.
These inhalers can cause side effects including:
- a sore throat
- oral thrush
- a hoarse voice
You can help prevent these side effects by:
- rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler
- using a spacer
A spacer is a hollow plastic tube you attach to your inhaler. It holds the cloud of medicine in the tube long enough for you to inhale it in 1 or 2 slow, deep breaths.
Using a spacer will improve the amount of medicine that reaches your airways.
Combination inhalers
Combination inhalers combine 2 medicines in the 1 inhaler.
These types of inhalers both relax your airways and reduce the inflammation in your lungs.
You can use this type of inhaler if your asthma is not controlled. It can help you manage your asthma better because it's easier to stick to your medicine routine.
Important
Always have your reliever inhaler with you to deal with symptoms of an asthma attack.
Most combination inhalers will not give quick relief if your symptoms get worse or you have an asthma attack.
