Blue Inhaler Guide

If you have been directed to this page it is because you have a repeat prescription facility for a short acting (Blue) reliever inhaler for occasional asthma or wheeze / allergy symptoms.

This page summarises a brief plan to help you get the most out of your inhaler when your breathing is controlled, and also what to do if your breathing deteriorates.

IF YOUR BREATHING IS WELL CONTROLLED:

ie

You have no difficulty sleeping because of your symptoms.

You I have no symptoms of wheeze, cough or chest tightness day or night.

You can “work & play” without difficulty.

In this scenario it’s OK not to use an inhaler at all.

IF YOU HAVE INCREASING WHEEZY OR TIGHT CHEST SYMPTOMS

If you regularly need to use your blue inhaler for relief more than 3x / week, then you should ask the Surgery for an asthma review – you may benefit from the prescription of a brown ‘preventer’ inhaler.

Such inhalers need to be taken regularly but can stabilise the lungs preventing the need for using the blue inhaler so frequently.

Such symptoms may include:

Wheeze causing you to wake during night-time or early morning.

Having difficulty at work or play because of wheeze or a tight chest.

IF YOU ARE HAVING DIFFICULTY BREATHING AND YOUR INHALER IS NOT HELPING THEN CALL 999

If you are unsure how to use your inhaler properly, please see here:

www.asthma.org.uk/advice/inhalers-medicines-treatments/using-inhalers