What are asthma medicines?

Asthma medicines are usually grouped into ‘preventers’ and ‘relievers’:

• Preventers are used daily to prevent asthma symptoms.
• Relievers are used when necessary to relieve symptoms.

Most asthma medicines are taken using inhalers (also known as ‘puffers’). Other asthma medicines come in the form of a dry powder or fine spray that is only released when you breathe in.

Sometimes, medicine can be breathed in as a vapour (mist) through a machine called a nebuliser. Some asthma medicines come in tablet form.

It is very important to follow your doctor’s or pharmacist’s advice when using these medicines.

You may need to use one or more medicines to manage your asthma, especially if your asthma is severe. Asthma Australia has more information on the treatment of asthma.

People with asthma should have a written asthma action plan to help them recognise worsening symptoms and know how to respond.

How do asthma relievers work?

Relievers are fast-acting asthma medicines. They provide quick relief from the symptoms of asthma — wheeze, chest tightness, cough and shortness of breath.

Also called ‘bronchodilators’, relievers relax the airway muscles and open the airways, making it easier to breathe. They work within minutes and the effects last for up to 4 hours.

Anyone with asthma should always carry a reliever. Relievers usually come in a blue or grey inhaler (puffer) device. There are many different types of relievers, and one well-known reliever is Ventolin (salbutamol).

During an asthma flare-up, your doctor may prescribe an oral corticosteroid tablet such as prednisolone for a few days to help quickly relieve your symptoms.

What are the side effects associated with asthma relievers?

For some people, relievers can cause side effects such as a fast heartbeat (palpitations), shaking hands and feelings of anxiety or nervousness. These usually pass quickly. Speak to your doctor if you are concerned about side effects.

How do asthma preventers work?

Preventers help control asthma symptoms and prevent attacks. They reduce the inflammation (redness and swelling) in the airways that can contribute to asthma symptoms.

Many adults with asthma take a preventer — usually as an inhaler that delivers a low dose of corticosteroid to the lungs. Some people may be prescribed a preventer called montelukast, which comes as an oral tablet.

Corticosteroid preventers are usually prescribed for an adult who:

• has had asthma symptoms twice or more in the last month
• is sometimes woken up from sleep by asthma symptoms
• has had a flare-up requiring an urgent visit to a GP or emergency department in the last 12 months

Some preventers (known as ‘combination’ medicines) also contain 'long-acting bronchodilators' in addition to a corticosteroid. The long-acting bronchodilator helps to relax the tightened airway muscles, allowing the airways to open and more air to reach the lungs.

Preventers take several days or even weeks to work, so they’re not for the quick relief of symptoms. To work properly, preventers need to be used every day, even when you have no symptoms.

What are the side effects associated with asthma preventers?

Inhaled corticosteroid preventers can have side effects such as sore throat, hoarse voice and oral thrush. You can reduce the risk of these side effects by using a spacer with your puffer, and by rinsing your mouth out after taking the medicine.

How do I use an asthma inhaler?

Asthma inhalers are hand-held portable devices that deliver medicine to the lungs. They must be used properly to help achieve the best control of asthma.

If you are using a puffer, you may benefit from using a spacer. This is a plastic container with a mouthpiece or mask at one end. You can get a spacer from your local pharmacy. Using a puffer together with a spacer ensures that your asthma medicine gets into your lungs.

Learn more about how to use an asthma inhaler.

How long will I need to take asthma medicines?

Everyone’s asthma is different. The type and dose of medicines you need will vary depending on your circumstances and asthma triggers. Asthma is a long-term (chronic) condition, so many people will need to take medicines for months or years.

Your medicines may need to be adjusted so that your symptoms stay well controlled. The aim is to use the lowest dose of medicine you need to control your asthma.

When should I see my doctor?

It’s important to see your doctor regularly for a review of your asthma medicines and your asthma action plan. Adults should see their doctor for a review at least every 6 to 12 months, and children should be reviewed every 3 to 6 months. You should see your doctor for a review even if your asthma is well-controlled.

You should also see your doctor:

• after a flare-up
• about a month after starting a new medicine or having a dose change

See your doctor for a review any time your asthma is not well-controlled. Signs that you may need your asthma treatment adjusted include:

• needing to use reliever medicines more than twice a week
• needing to limit your activities due to asthma symptoms
• night time symptoms of asthma, such as cough or waking up from sleep feeling breathless
• daytime asthma symptoms on more than 2 days a week

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Resources and support

For more information and support, try these resources:

• Call Asthma Australia on 1800 278 462 to connect with an asthma educator and ask for advice.
• Log on to the Asthma Buddy app to help keep track of your symptoms and get the latest information on asthma.
• Watch National Asthma Council’s how-to videos to learn how to use your inhaler or nasal spray.
• Use National Asthma Council's My Asthma Guide for practical strategies to help you understand and manage your asthma.
• If you are concerned about managing asthma and other conditions of COVID-19 on the Lung Foundation’s website.