There are 2 basic asthma medicines:
Reliever |
Preventer |
![Blue inhaler](https://www.mylungsmylife.org/wp-content/uploads/icons_m_blue_inhaler.jpg) |
![Brown inhaler](https://www.mylungsmylife.org/wp-content/uploads/icons_m_brown_inhaler.jpg) |
Relievers:
- Are usually blue inhalers.
- Everyone with asthma should have one.
- Should be taken when asthma symptoms start.
- Should relieve asthma symptoms for a few (approx. 4-6) hours.
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Preventers:
- Are usually brown or orange inhalers.
- Are inhaled steroids.
- Steroids help reduce inflammation in the lungs.
- Preventers reduce the risk of severe attacks.
- Need to be taken every morning and night (usually) even when feeling well.
- Don’t have an immediate effect it may take up to 14 days before you notice any improvement in your child’s asthma symptoms.
- You should not stop your child’s preventer inhaler without medical advice even if they are feeling well. This shows the preventers are working.
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