Asthma Inhalers
Asthma inhalers are used to treat and manage the symptoms of asthma, such as coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Request a prescription and request your inhaler online with ZAVA. Get fast, free, and flexible delivery options.
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Simply fill in a brief consultation questionnaire and one of our doctors will review your request today.
Inhalers are the main way to treat symptoms of asthma, like wheezing and shortness of breath, and to prevent an acute asthma attack.
The 3 different types of inhaler are:
- reliever inhalers, which stop the symptoms as you experience them (usually blue)
- preventer inhalers, which work to stop symptoms developing in the first place (usually brown)
- combination inhalers, which use the medication in both types to control your asthma when your preventer inhaler is not working well enough (usually purple, red, or white)
Please note, if you need a generic (non-branded) inhaler, the box your inhaler arrives in may look slightly different but this should not affect your medication. This may look different because we use a range of manufacturers to ensure we always have enough stock for patients. If you have any questions, you can message our doctors through your account.
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About asthma inhalers
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Inhalers come in a variety of colours and medications, including:
- reliever inhalers – often used for quick relief of asthma attack symptoms and come in a blue colour, salbutamol (bronchodilator) is typically the prescribed medication with a reliever inhaler
- preventer inhalers – used to prevent asthma attacks and come in a brown, pink, or red colour, they contain a low dose of steroid
- combination inhalers – are a form of preventer inhaler that contain both a steroid and a bronchodilator, often prescribed if both the preventer and reliever are not working for you, this inhaler comes in the colours pink, red, purple, yellow, or grey
Types of devices that inhalers come as include:
- metered dose inhalers (MDIs) – handheld device that use a small pressurised container with a plastic mouthpiece to deliver a measured dose of the medication
- breath actuated inhalers (BAIs) – do not have pressurised containers attached, which makes them easier to use, to take the medication a patient should just breathe in from the mouthpiece
- dry powder inhalers – do not use a spray, and must be inhaled deeply
➤ For more information on types of inhalers, you can take a look at our guide for a detailed breakdown of each.
Based on your symptoms and their frequency, your doctor will decide on the best inhaler for you, which can include one or more of the following:
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Reliever inhalers are used to quickly stop your asthma symptoms and prevent an asthma attack.
These inhalers contain drugs called bronchodilators, which relax the muscles in your lungs and let more air in, helping you to breathe more easily.
Ventolin is a well-known brand of reliever inhaler. Salbutamol inhalers contain the same generic medication as Ventolin and are usually cheaper as they are not branded medication. Reliever inhalers are usually blue.
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Preventer inhalers are used daily to reduce the chance of having an asthma attack. They are typically prescribed with steroid medication like beclomethasone dipropionate, which works to reduce inflammation in your airways.
Your doctor will advise you how often to use your preventer inhaler but it is usually twice a day (morning and evening).
When you first start using a preventer inhaler it can take 2 weeks before you notice the impact.
Preventer inhalers are usually brown, but sometimes red or pink. At ZAVA, we can prescribe you Clenil Modulite and Soprobec.
You cannot use a preventer inhaler to stop the symptoms of an asthma attack as they happen.
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Combination inhalers contain two types of medications: bronchodilators and steroids. Both are typically prescribed together as an additional treatment if your usual preventer inhaler is not working well enough. Combination inhalers contain long-acting bronchodilators which, when prescribed alongside steroids, can work over a more extended period to:
- relax the muscles in your lungs
- reduce inflammation in your airways
Combination inhalers prevent your asthma symptoms from developing in the first place (they contain long-acting bronchodilators). They do not replace your reliever inhaler (containing fast-acting bronchodilators that quickly target asthma symptoms).
If you’re already using a combination inhaler, our doctors can prescribe you the combination inhaler Symbicort. Symbicort is a red inhaler.
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Your doctor should show you how to use your inhaler when they prescribe it to you, including:
- how many puffs to take
- how many times a day you can use it
If you find yourself needing to use your inhaler more often than your doctor has prescribed, let them know so that suitable adjustments can be safely made to your treatment.
“Knowing how to use your inhaler correctly is very important to ensure that you’re getting the medication dose you need. It’s always better to ask questions rather than assume the correct techniques. If your technique is right, but your symptoms don’t improve, speak with your doctor and they can review your treatment.”- Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.
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- Make sure you are sitting or standing upright.
- Take off the mouthpiece cover and check it is clean.
- Shake the inhaler a few times.
- If it is a new inhaler or one you haven’t used for 5 days, press the canister to release 1 or 2 puffs into the air, so you know it is not empty.
- Hold the inhaler up with your thumb at the base just below the mouthpiece.
- Breathe out.
- Rest the mouthpiece between your teeth and be careful not to bite it. Make a tight seal by closing your lips around the mouthpiece of the inhaler.
- Breathe in.
- Press down on the top of the inhaler.
- Breathe deeply and steadily as the inhaler releases a puff of medication.
- Hold your breath for as long as you are comfortable so the medication can get into your airways.
- If the doctor has told you to take two puffs, wait 30 seconds before repeating the process.
- Replace the mouthpiece cover right away.
If you find it difficult to breathe while using the inhaler, your doctor can advise you on using a spacer.
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Use your reliever inhaler as soon as you notice asthma attack symptoms such as:
- wheezing
- breathlessness
- chest tightness
- coughing
You can take 1 or 2 puffs up to a maximum of 4 times in any 24 hours and your asthma symptoms should improve. If your symptoms do not improve or you need to use your inhaler again less than 4 hours after this, you should seek urgent medical advice. If you feel your symptoms are under control and know what to do, you can call your GP.
If you are worried about your symptoms and your inhaler is not helping, call 999. Do not delay getting medical help when you are having an asthma attack.
If you know that exercise or certain substances (for example dust, pollen, or animal hair) trigger your asthma, you can use your reliever inhaler 10 to 15 minutes before to prevent symptoms from developing.
How to use a preventer inhaler
Use your preventer inhaler every day as directed by your doctor. Most people use it twice daily, once in the morning and once in the evening.
You must continue to use your preventer inhaler even if you think your asthma is under control. This is because it builds up protection in your airways over time.
How to use a combination inhaler
Your combination inhaler works to prevent your asthma over time, so it is used in the same way as a preventer inhaler. Always follow your doctor’s instructions and consult with them before making changes to your asthma medication.
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Yes, asthma inhalers are available to request from safe and reputable online services like ZAVA Online Doctor. All you need to do is:
- Complete a quick online health questionnaire for our doctors to review.
- One of our UK-registered doctors checks your health questionnaire and will review your request to see if the medication is suitable for you.
- If approved, your treatment can be dispatched from our pharmacy and delivered to your doorstep with our rapid delivery to your doorstep, or alternatively, you can choose to collect it from your local Post Office.
Can you buy inhalers over the counter?
Asthma inhalers are not available to buy over the counter in the UK: all inhalers require a prescription from a doctor or healthcare professional. This is because choosing the right inhaler depends on your specific asthma symptoms, previous medical history and overall health. Medical oversight is essential to ensure that the inhaler(s) you use are both safe and effective for your personal needs.
At ZAVA, we make it easy to access the asthma treatment you need without the hassle of in-person appointments. Simply complete a questionnaire, and one of our online doctors will quickly review it and approve your prescription if appropriate. Once your request is approved, you can get free delivery straight to your door.
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It’s essential to look after your asthma inhaler so that you know it will work when you need it. We strongly recommend testing and cleaning your inhaler every week. Some patients find that they can stick to a more consistent routine if they test and clean it at the same time each week, or set regular reminders on their phone.
Follow the steps below to ensure your inhaler is clean and functional:
- Take the metal canister from its casing and put it to one side. Do not put the canister in water.
- Remove the mouthpiece.
- Hold the plastic casing under the hot tap and run warm water through it.
- Dry the casing carefully.
- Put the metal canister and mouthpiece on again.
- Shake the inhaler and spray it into the air once to make sure it works.
This maintenance routine only takes around 2 minutes to complete. If your inhaler isn’t working properly during the test, it’s important to get in touch with your doctor right away.
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As with all medications, side effects are possible when using asthma inhalers. The symptoms and how serious they are can vary from person to person. If you use your inhaler as directed and with the right dose, it will keep your chance of side effects as low as possible.
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Though relatively uncommon, here are some of the typical side effects of reliever inhalers for asthma:
Frequency Reliever Inhaler Side Effects Common (may affect 1 in 10 people)
- Headache
- Feeling shaky
Uncommon (affect 1 in 100 people)
- Muscle cramps
- Mouth and throat irritation
Rare (affect 1 in 1000 people)
- Peripheral dilatation (increased blood flow to extremities)
- Low level of potassium in the blood
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If you experience your heart beating faster (tachycardia) or stronger than usual (palpitations), talk to your doctor right away.
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People who use a higher dose of a steroid inhaler over a longer period of time can have side effects similar to those from taking steroid tablets. These include difficulty sleeping, mood changes, and an increase in appetite.
Here are some of the other reported side effects of combination and preventer inhalers:
Frequency Preventer/Combination Inhaler Side Effects Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people)
- thrush in the mouth and throat (rinsing your mouth out after using your inhaler can help)
- hoarse voice
- sore throat or tongue
Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
Allergic reaction symptoms, such as:
- skin rashes
- hives
- itching
- redness
Very Rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, and throat
- changes to the normal production of steroids in the body
- weakening of bones
- eye problems, such as cataracts and glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
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If you experience any severe side effects from your inhaler, including symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention right away.
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A sore throat is a common side effect of using an asthma inhaler. A spacer can help prevent this side effect or your doctor may change your inhaler to find one that does not irritate your throat.
Can asthma inhalers increase my heart rate?
Salbutamol can increase the heart rate if a reliever inhaler is used too much. This is not dangerous as long as you are not experiencing chest pains at the same time. This side effect usually only lasts for half an hour but can last up to 2 to 3 hours.
Please seek immediate medical attention if you have a very high or strong heart rate or are experiencing chest pain.
Can asthma inhalers cause heartburn?
Some asthma medications can increase the chances of experiencing acid reflux or heartburn. If you experience this side effect often, you should speak to your GP and consider adjusting your asthma treatment plan.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is the best inhaler for asthma?
There is no ‘best’ inhaler for asthma since there are many different devices designed to treat a variety of asthma symptoms.
Reliever inhalers, such as Ventolin (salbutamol), are ideal for quickly stopping asthma symptoms during an attack.
Preventer inhalers, like Clenil Modulite, help reduce inflammation in your airways and prevent symptoms over time.
For severe asthma, combination inhalers such as Symbicort offer additional support by combining the effects of relievers and preventers.
Your doctor will assess your condition and recommend the inhaler that best suits you. If you're unsure which inhaler you need, ZAVA offers an online consultation service to help you.
Do all preventer inhalers contain steroids?
Most preventer inhalers contain low doses of corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in your airways and prevent asthma attacks. These steroids mimic natural substances your body produces and are not the same as those used in bodybuilding.
Some preventer inhalers contain long-acting bronchodilators as well as (or instead of) steroids. Non-steroid preventer inhalers include formoterol and salmeterol.
If you have concerns about using steroids, speak with your doctor. They may recommend other treatments or techniques, such as using a spacer, to minimise potential side effects.
What’s the difference between branded and generic inhalers?
The main differences you’ll notice when purchasing branded vs. non-branded inhalers are the brand name, packaging, and sometimes the device design – though they are equally effective. Branded and generic inhalers contain the same active ingredients and work in the same way, but generic versions are often slightly less expensive.
For example, Ventolin is the branded version of the generic reliever inhaler salbutamol. Both products contain the active ingredient salbutamol sulphate, and provide quick relief from asthma symptoms.
At ZAVA, we have devices to suit various needs and budgets, with options to request both branded and generic asthma inhalers online.
How long do inhalers last?
The lifespan of your new asthma inhaler depends on its usage and the number of doses it contains. Most inhalers are designed to last for several weeks to months, depending on how frequently they are used. Typically, inhalers have a dose counter that shows how many puffs are left. Always check this before use.
Once your inhaler is empty, it must be replaced even if the device still sprays, as it may no longer deliver the correct dose. If you have any questions about how long your inhaler should last for, you should speak to your doctor.
When do asthma inhalers expire?
Inhalers usually expire around one year after they are issued. The medication could be effective for up to one year after its expiration date if it has been stored correctly.
What should I do if my inhaler doesn’t work?
If your inhaler is becoming less effective or not working properly, you should talk to your doctor. They may change your prescription to another type of inhaler.
If you are experiencing an asthma attack and your reliever inhaler is not easing your symptoms seek medical help immediately; call 999 or go to a hospital.
What are the best inhalers for COPD?
The best inhaler for COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) depends on your specific symptoms and the stage of the condition. Inhalers for COPD generally fall into 3 main categories:
- Short-acting bronchodilators (relievers): Inhalers containing medications like Salbutamol or Ipratropium provide quick relief by relaxing airway muscles. They are often used when symptoms like breathlessness occur suddenly.
- Long-acting bronchodilators: These are recommended for regular use to manage persistent symptoms. Examples include inhalers containing Formoterol or Tiotropium. They help keep airways open for extended periods.
- Combination inhalers: These contain a mix of long-acting bronchodilators or a bronchodilator combined with a steroid. They are useful for patients with severe symptoms or frequent flare-ups. Symbicort is a commonly prescribed combination inhaler available through ZAVA.
Remember that it’s always important to seek medical advice before trying out different treatments. Your doctor will be able to assess your condition and recommend the most suitable option for you.
Can I use an asthma inhaler while pregnant?
Most asthma medications are safe to use when pregnant for both mother and baby. If you have asthma and are pregnant you should inform your GP and make sure your midwife knows you are asthmatic. It is also safe to breastfeed while using inhalers.
Will an asthma inhaler help with my allergies?
Not directly. Inhalers should only be used to treat the symptoms of asthma, or if allergies trigger your asthma. Allergy treatment can help prevent your symptoms if allergic reactions trigger your asthma.
What other treatments are available for asthma?
There are other medical asthma treatments if your inhalers are not working for you. These include tablets such as leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), theophylline, and steroids in tablet form.
People with very severe asthma may be prescribed injections every few weeks.
Some people recommend complementary therapies such as acupuncture, homoeopathy, dietary supplements, ionisers, and traditional Chinese herbal medicine. However, there is little evidence that these treatments help.
Breathing exercises such as the Papworth method and Buteyko method have been found to help improve symptoms and reduce the need for reliever medication in some people. However, these techniques should not replace your medication.
Brenda studied medicine at St Georges University of London and has most recently worked in John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospitals, covering acute and general medicine.
Meet our doctorsLast reviewed: 26 Jan 2025
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Asthma, NHS [accessed 26 January 2025]
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Beclometasone dipropionate, NICE [accessed 26 January 2025]
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Budesonide with formoterol, NICE [accessed 26 January 2025]
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Combination inhalers, Asthma and Lung UK [accessed 26 January 2025]
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How to use your inhaler, Asthma and Lung UK [accessed 26 January 2025]
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