Rescue Inhalers for Asthma

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KEY POINTS

• Rescue inhalers, also called reliever or quick relief medicines, act quickly to reduce symptoms.
• They are used to give quick relief during an asthma attack when your child has symptoms. Controller medicines are taken on a regular schedule to prevent asthma symptoms.
• Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.

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What is this medicine used for?

Rescue inhalers, also called reliever or quick relief medicines, act quickly to reduce symptoms. These medicines are used as needed to treat asthma attacks. You and your child should learn to recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack so your child can take this medicine as soon as symptoms start.

They are used to give quick relief during an acute attack when you have symptoms. Controller medicines are taken on a regular schedule to prevent asthma symptoms.

Asthma symptoms are caused by two different problems in the airways:

• One problem is that the tiny muscles around the airways tighten up, which causes shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and sometimes chest tightness.
• The other problem is redness, swelling, irritation, and too much mucus in the airways.

If your child has asthma, symptoms often start after your child is exposed to a trigger. Asthma triggers can include:

• Exercise and other physical activity
• Allergies such as dust, pollen, mold, or animal dander
• Something that irritates the lungs such as cold air, smoke, or strong smells such as paint, soap, candles, or perfume
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen
• An infection such as a cold, the flu, or a sinus infection
• Strong emotions or stress
• Indigestion or heartburn, also called gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD. If your child often has problems with indigestion they may have more asthma symptoms, especially while lying down.

Try to limit your child’s contact with these triggers, especially in places where your child spends a lot of time such as at home and school or work. Your child should keep a rescue inhaler with him or her at all times in case your child has an asthma attack.

How does it work?

Rescue inhalers work fast to relax the muscles of the airways and to keep them from getting too tight. When the airway muscles are more relaxed and less tight, your child will have fewer symptoms and be able to breathe better.

The medicine can be taken in different ways. For example:

• A hand-held device, such as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler, is small and easy to carry. Inhalers help send the medicine directly to your child’s lungs as your child takes a deep breath. Some MDI medicines may need a spacer. A spacer is a small tube or bag that holds the medicine while your child breathes it in to the lungs.
• A nebulizer is an electrically powered machine that you can use at home, or if battery operated, anywhere. Medicine is mixed with liquid and the machine forms a mist. Your child breathes in the mist to help get the medicine in to the lungs.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine, including information about food. Ask for written information to take home. Tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you need information in a different language or larger type.
• Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
• If possible, have your child brush teeth and rinse his or her mouth with clear water after taking this medicine. The water your child rinses with should be spit out.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. Tell your child's healthcare provider and pharmacist about all the prescription and nonprescription medicines, natural remedies, vitamins, and supplements your child takes.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause and what you should do if your child has side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.