Asthma Medication

Children

The type of device used must suit the child’s age and ability. Your doctor, nurse or asthma educator will explain your choices. For a general guide read more

Preventer inhalers

Preventer inhalers are probably your most important asthma medication, because they treat the inflammation inside your airways, and reduce the likelihood of an asthma exacerbation. Read more

Reliever inhalers

Reliever inhalers bring short term relief from asthma by relaxing the tight bands of muscle around your airways. This helps air flow in and out of your lungs more freely. Read more

Combination inhalers (preventers)

Combination inhalers contain both preventer and long acting reliever medicine in one device. Combination inhalers should be taken regularly as prescribed, but not used in emergency situations. Read more

Prednisone

Prednisone is used in severe episodes of asthma. It works slowly over several hours to reverse the swelling of the airways. Prednisone needs to be continued for several days after your asthma symptoms settle to make sure that the swelling doesn’t return. Read more

Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs)

Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs) are sometimes called aerosol inhalers. When the inhaler is pressed, a measured dose of medicine is released through the mouthpiece. It is recommended that MDIs are used with a spacer no matter what your age. Read more

Dry Powder Inhaler

Dry Powder Inhalers are breath activated inhalers. In New Zealand, the most common dry powder inhaler is the Turbuhaler, which is a breath activated inhaler with no propellant or carrier added to the medicine. Read more

Using a nebuliser

A nebuliser works by turning liquid medicine into a fine mist which you can breathe easily into the lungs. A nebuliser can be useful for people with asthma, however many clinical trials have found spacers (used with a reliever) to be equally as effective. Read more