What asthma inhalers are there

Read the leaflet that comes with the inhaler for details of possible side-effects. The following just highlights the more common and important ones to be aware of.

One problem that might occur when using a steroid inhaler especially if you are taking a high dose is that the back of your throat may get sore. Thrush infection in the mouth may develop. This can usually be treated easily with a course of pastilles to suck or liquid that you hold in your mouth. You might also notice that your voice becomes more hoarse. If you rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth after using a steroid inhaler you are less likely to develop a sore throat or thrush.

Also, some inhaler devices such as spacers are less likely to cause throat problems. A change to a different device may help if mouth problems or thrush occur. Note: a persistent hoarse voice that does not settle, needs further investigation as it can be due to other causes. If you have this symptom you should tell your GP. If you use a high dose of inhaled steroid over a long time it may be a risk factor for developing osteoporosis. You can help to prevent osteoporosis by taking regular exercise, not smoking, and eating a diet with enough calcium.

Children who use an inhaled steroid over a long time should have their growth monitored. There is a small risk that enough steroid may get from the lungs and into the body via the bloodstream , to delay growth. This risk has to be balanced against the risk of a child with asthma not having a steroid preventer. Long-term ill-health such as with conditions like severe asthma could also affect a child's growth.

Steroid medicines may aggravate depression and other mental health problems, and may occasionally cause mental health problems. This is more a concern with steroid tablets but, rarely, can be caused by steroid inhalers. Even a severe form of mental health problem called psychosis may, rarely, be triggered by a steroid inhaler. Seek medical advice if worrying mood or behavioural changes occur. Often the choice of inhaler is just personal preference.

Most GPs and practice nurses have a range of devices to demonstrate, and let you get a feel for them. If you are unhappy with the one you are using then ask your GP or practice nurse if you can try a different type.

If you think you have had a side-effect to one of your medicines you can report this on the Yellow Card Scheme. You can do this online at www. The Yellow Card Scheme is used to make pharmacists, doctors and nurses aware of any new side-effects that medicines or any other healthcare products may have caused.

If you wish to report a side-effect, you will need to provide basic information about:. Inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of chronic asthma in adults and in children aged 12 years and over ; NICE Technology Appraisal Guidance, March I need your help on a problem that I haven't checked with the doctor yet hoping that it's not serious.

For last a few years I have a jelly like transparent, sticky mucus in my chest. I never felt any Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy.

Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions. In this series. In this article Types of asthma inhalers Inhaler devices Common questions and further information.

Asthma Inhalers In this article Types of asthma inhalers Inhaler devices Common questions and further information. Types of asthma inhalers The medicine inside an inhaler goes straight into the airways when you breathe in.

Open the airways by relaxing the tight muscles. Gives quick relief from cough, wheeze and shortness of breath symptoms. Should be given only when needed. Preventers — orange or yellow coloured Work slowly. Must be taken every day as directed to work properly. Montelukast preventer medication is available in tablet form. It is not a steroid. Symptom controllers — green coloured Long acting medications to relieve symptoms of asthma.

Work by opening the airways and keeping them open for 12 hours. Used in conjunction with preventers, usually as a combination inhaler. Side effects — the 'shakes', a rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity. Steroid medication Steroid medication is used for severe asthma attacks which do not respond to regular reliever medication. In severe attacks, you may be given a longer course.

Side effects — increased appetite, weight gain, moodiness. Reliever inhalers have few side effects, but they can sometimes cause shaking or a fast heartbeat for a few minutes after they're used. Asthma UK: reliever inhalers. You use a preventer inhaler every day to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity of your airways, which stops your symptoms occurring.

It's important to use it even when you do not have symptoms. You can help prevent these side effects by using a spacer, which is a hollow plastic tube you attach to your inhaler, as well as by rinsing your mouth after using your inhaler. Asthma UK: preventer inhalers. If using reliever and preventer inhalers does not control your asthma, you may need an inhaler that combines both. Combination inhalers are used every day to help stop symptoms occurring and provide long-lasting relief if they do occur.

Asthma UK: combination inhalers. You may also need to take tablets if using an inhaler alone is not helping control your symptoms. Theophylline may also be recommended if other treatments are not helping to control your symptoms. Asthma UK: theophylline. You'll be monitored regularly while taking steroid tablets to check for signs of any problems. Asthma UK: steroid tablets. Other treatments, such as injections or surgery, are rarely needed, but may be recommended if all other treatments are not helping.

For some people with severe asthma, injections given every few weeks can help control the symptoms. These medicines are known as biologic therapies. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references Hess D, et al.

The use of inhaler devices in adults. Accessed May 19, Inhaled asthma medications. American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Ding B, et al. Maintenance inhaler preference, attribute importance, and satisfaction in prescribing physicians and patients with asthma, COPD, or asthma: COPD overlap syndrome consulting for routine care. Kaplan A, et al. Matching inhaler devices with patients: The role of the primary care physician. Canadian Respiratory Journal. See also Albuterol side effects Allergies and asthma Allergy shots Aspirin allergy Asthma Asthma and acid reflux Asthma attack Asthma diet Adult asthma action plan Asthma: Colds and flu Asthma medications Asthma: Testing and diagnosis Asthma treatment: 3 steps Asthma treatment: Do complementary and alternative approaches work?

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