Reliever, Preventer, Symptom Controller and Combination medications are either inhaled or taken orally. How the medication is taken will depend on what type of medication is prescribed by the doctor. Inhalation is generally the most common and best delivery method because:
- the medication gets to where it is needed and starts working straight away
- only a small dose is needed for it to work
- there are fewer side effects
Inhaled delivery devices include:
- aerosol inhalers e.g. puffers (press and breathe), autohalers (breath activated)
- dry powder inhalers e.g. turbuhaler, accuhaler, aerolizer
- liquids/solutions used in nebulisers
All inhalers need to be used in the correct way so that the medication gets to where it is needed and has the best effect. Many people have trouble using a puffer ("press and breathe" inhaler) correctly and the medication tends to land in the back of the throat rather than getting down into the lungs. Using a spacer device is recommended as a good way to eliminate this problem.