Asthma Inhaler

Inhalers are the main treatment for asthma. There are many different types of inhaler, which can be confusing.

Preventer inhalers - usually contain a steroid drug
These are taken every day to prevent symptoms from developing. The drug commonly used in preventer inhalers is a steroid. There are various brands. Steroids work by reducing the inflammation in the airways. When the inflammation has gone, the airways are much less likely to become narrow and cause symptoms. (Inhalers that contain cromoglycate or nedocromil drugs are sometimes used as preventers. However, they do not usually work as well as steroids.)

Reliever inhalers - contain bronchodilator drugs
You can take a reliever inhaler 'as required' to ease symptoms when you are breathless or wheezy. The drug in a reliever inhaler relaxes the muscle in the airways. This opens the airways wider, and symptoms usually quickly ease. These drugs are called bronchodilators as they dilate (widen) the bronchi (airways). There are several different reliever drugs. For example, salbutamol and terbutaline. These come in various brands made by different companies. There are different inhaler devices that deliver the same reliever drug. However, reliever (bronchodilator) drugs tend to be put in blue or grey inhaler devices.

Read more at http://www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/23069155

In Brunei... this is the inhaler that available in the Ministry of Health...