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A doctor telling patients how to use an asthma inhaler

Evol Health

ASTHMA

Asthma FAQs

Image by Sahej Brar

Types Of Asthma Inhalers

Asthma is a chronic medical condition that affects the airways of the lungs. It can cause chest tightness, wheezing, and breathlessness. An inhaler is a type of device that pushes albuterol, a medication that opens the airways, or another medication, into your lungs. Some people with persistent asthma symptoms require daily or twice daily inhaler medication in addition to an as-needed inhaler. People with mild asthma may use only their albuterol inhalers as needed.

There are three main types of inhalers, soft mist, dry powder, and metered dose inhalers. Each type of inhaler has a different administration and inhalation technique and a different cost. Choosing the correct type of inhaler for your asthma is an important decision. The correct type depends on several factors, such as the severity of your asthma symptoms, age, insurance coverage, and ability to use the inhaler.

Rescue Inhalers

Rescuer inhalers, also known as reliever inhalers or quick-relief inhalers, contain bronchodilator medications that immediately open your constricted airways to help you breathe easier.

Rescue Inhalers include:

  • Albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA, Ventolin HFA)

  • Levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA)

Preventative Inhaler

Preventative inhalers, also called controller inhalers, have anti-inflammatory corticosteroid medications that help reduce inflammation in the lungs and thus prevent asthma attacks. Some people with asthma use these types of inhalers daily to improve their overall lung health.

Preventative inhalers include:

  • Fluticasone (Flovent HFA)

  • Budesonide (Plumicort Flexhaler)

  • Mometasone (Asmanex Twisthaler)

  • Beclomethasone (Qvar RediHaler)

  • Ciclesonide (Alvesco)

Combination Inhalers

Combination inhalers contain both bronchodilators and steroids. These may be recommended for those with more severe asthma symptoms to help control their symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

Combination inhalers include:

  • Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus)

  • Budesonide and formoterol (Symbicort)

  • Mometasone and formoterol (Dulera)

  • Fluticasone and vilanterol (Breo)

During your consultation, your medical provider will review your health history and current medications and ask you a series of questions about your symptoms

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