Asthma and COPD inhalers
Reliever and preventer inhalers used in the UK for asthma and some lung conditions — technique, safety, and when to get help.
What are asthma and COPD inhalers?
Inhalers are devices that deliver medicine straight into the lungs. Reliever inhalers (often blue) such as Salbutamol (inhaler) open the airways quickly when you are wheezy or breathless. Preventer inhalers contain steroids or other drugs used regularly to reduce inflammation and attacks. Correct technique and regular reviews with your nurse, GP, or pharmacist are essential for safe, effective use.
General UK information only — your GP, pharmacist, or specialist can personalise advice and check interactions with your prescriptions.
Quick answers
Short points people often scan before reading the full hub or speaking to a clinician.
What are they used for?
Relievers treat sudden symptoms; preventers reduce inflammation long term in asthma and some COPD care plans. Your clinician explains which you should use every day and which is for emergencies.
Common types
Salbutamol (inhaler) is the reliever featured on this site; preventers include various steroid and combination inhalers prescribed separately from this hub.
Do you need them long term?
Many people with asthma use a preventer long term even when well, plus a reliever when needed. Plans are individual and should follow your written asthma action plan if you have one.
Common side effects
Relievers can cause tremor or fast heartbeat if overused. Steroid preventers can cause hoarse voice or oral thrush — rinsing the mouth after use helps. Seek urgent help if reliever use suddenly increases.
What is the most common reliever inhaler in the UK?
Salbutamol (inhaler) (often in a blue inhaler) is the standard short-acting reliever for asthma and some COPD plans. It works within minutes but does not replace preventer treatment if you have been prescribed one.
If you need your reliever more than two days a week, or wake at night with symptoms, book an asthma review — your control may need stepping up.
What is the safest inhaler for asthma?
Safety depends on using the right inhaler for your diagnosis, good technique, and not relying on relievers alone when a preventer is needed. Your nurse or GP checks device choice and spacer use.
Overuse of reliever without medical review is linked with higher risk of severe attacks — follow your plan and attend annual reviews when offered.
Can you stop using a preventer if you feel well?
Do not stop a prescribed preventer without speaking to your GP or asthma nurse — symptoms can return silently while airway inflammation continues.
If you and your clinician agree to step down, they will usually do it gradually with monitoring.
Medicines in this category
Open a guide for uses, side effects, interactions, and safety topics. Your prescriber chooses what is appropriate for you.
- Beclometasone inhaler(beclometasone)
Beclometasone inhaler UK: preventer steroid inhaler, rinse mouth after, CFC vs extrafine devices — general information.
- Salbutamol (inhaler)(salbutamol)
Salbutamol inhaler: reliever use, side effects, and asthma safety tips. UK-focused information — your nurse or pharmacist can check your technique.
- Salbutamol nebules(salbutamol)
Salbutamol nebules UK: nebulised reliever for acute breathlessness at home or ambulance, machine hygiene — general information.
- Symbicort(budesonide with formoterol)
Symbicort UK: combination inhaler for asthma maintenance and reliever in some MART plans — prescriber-specific use only.
- Tiotropium(tiotropium)
Tiotropium UK: long-acting antimuscarinic inhaler for COPD and some asthma, dry mouth — general information.
More popular questions
Extra topics people ask about in search and in pharmacy consultations — check with your GP or pharmacist for advice tailored to you.
- What is salbutamol used for?
- Salbutamol (inhaler) is a reliever bronchodilator — it relaxes tight airways quickly for asthma and some other lung conditions. It is not a substitute for preventer treatment if your prescriber has advised one.
- How often can I use my blue inhaler?
- Follow your asthma plan. Needing the reliever frequently can mean asthma is not controlled — book an urgent GP or nurse review rather than simply using more puffs long term without advice.
- Do I need a spacer with my inhaler?
- Many metered-dose inhalers work better with a spacer, especially in children and during attacks. Your nurse or pharmacist can show you the right device for your prescription.
- When is breathlessness an emergency?
- Call 999 if you struggle to speak, lips or nails look blue, reliever does not help, or you are exhausted from breathing. NHS 111 can advise if symptoms are borderline.