Some useful information about your asthma medications: There are two main types of asthma medicines, called relievers and preventers, and they work in different ways. Most asthma medicines are breathed in through an inhaler. This is a very effective way of taking the medicine, as it goes straight to the lungs. Inhalers Inhalers can be in a spray form (aerosol) or a dry powder form. Aerosol inhalers can be taken through a device called a spacer. Spacers make your childs inhaler easier to use and more effective. Reliever inhalers help to relieve symptoms when they happen Preventer inhalers help to protect the airways and reduce the chance of getting asthma symptoms Other medicines are also available - these include long-acting reliever and preventer tablets. Reliever inhalers Everyone with asthma should have a reliever inhaler. Reliever inhalers are usually blue. Relievers are medicines that children can take immediately when asthma symptoms appear. They quickly relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways. This allows the airways to open wider, making it easier to breathe again. Relievers are essential in treating asthma attacks. Your child should take a dose of reliever inhaler when they start having asthma symptoms. Children with asthma need to keep their reliever inhalers with them or close at hand at all times. You may never know when they might need it. If your child is using their reliever inhaler three or more times a week, it could mean their asthma is not controlled properly. Ask your doctor or asthma nurse to review your childs asthma. Not all relievers work well for all children under one year old. Your doctor will probably try different relievers to find the one that works best for your child. Preventer inhalers Preventers protect the lining of the airways. Preventer inhalers are usually brown, red or white. They help to calm down the swelling in the airways and stop them from being so sensitive. This means that your child is less likely to react badly when she/he comes across an asthma trigger. However, not all children and young people will need a preventer inhaler. Preventer inhalers are usually prescribed for children and young people using their reliever inhaler three or more times a week. Most children or young people who need preventer medicines will receive a preventer inhaler from their doctor or asthma nurse that contains inhaled steroids. There are several kinds of inhaled steroids, but they all work in the same way. Preventers reduce the risk of severe attacks. Their protective effect builds up over a period of time, so they need to be taken every day, usually morning and evening, even if your child is feeling well. When your child first starts using them, it may take up to 14 days before you notice any improvement in asthma symptoms. They are usually recommended if your child needs to use a reliever more than once a day on a regular basis. Source: Asthma UK
Posted on: Mon, 03 Nov 2014 09:16:57 +0000
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