If you are using only your blue reliever inhaler to control your asthma, talk to your healthcare provider about changing to a single 2-in-1 inhaler. |
The treatment of asthma has changed. It is now recommended that if you have asthma, you should use a single 2-in-1 inhaler containing both a preventer and a reliever medicine, to treat asthma symptoms.
The treatment has changed because evidence has shown that the single 2-in-1 inhaler is better for improving lung function and controlling symptoms in the long term and for reducing risk of asthma flare-ups (exacerbations).
The single 2-in-1 inhaler contains the medicines budesonide and formoterol in a single inhaler.
- Budesonide is a corticosteroid which works by reducing inflammation. It works within hours and the effect lasts several hours.
- Formoterol is a long acting beta2-agonist, which works to open your airways quickly (within minutes) and the effect will last at least 12 hours after the dose.
The long effect of these medicines means your symptoms are reduced for a longer time. This is important as even if you only have symptoms off and on or occasionally, you will have some degree of chronic inflammation in your airways. The single 2 in 1 inhaler is the most effective way of controlling this.
Examples of the single 2-in-1 inhalers include Symbicort Turbuhaler, DuoResp Spiromax and Vannair. Each brand is a different device and the choice of which brand to use depends on which inhaler you find easiest to use. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will show you how to use your inhaler. Good technique gives good asthma control.