Asthma Reliever Inhalers

A blue reliever inhaler is the one you reach for when your chest gets tight, you start wheezing or you're short of breath. It works within minutes, which is why most people with asthma like to have a spare at home, at work or in the car. MedsRus supplies salbutamol reliever inhalers after a short asthma review with a UK prescriber, so you're never caught without one.

Start your asthma review →

Reliever and preventer inhalers: what's the difference?

Asthma inhalers fall into two main groups, and most people need both.

• Reliever inhalers (usually blue) contain salbutamol. It relaxes the muscles around your airways within a few minutes and the effect lasts about 4 to 6 hours. It eases symptoms but does nothing about the inflammation underneath.
• Preventer inhalers contain a low dose of steroid. You use them every day, even when you feel well, to calm the swelling in your airways and make attacks less likely. Some newer inhalers combine a steroid with a fast-acting medicine in one device.

Blue spray inhalers have a high carbon footprint. If you'd like a lower-carbon option, ask your GP or asthma nurse about dry-powder inhalers.

UK guidelines changed in 2024: everyone with asthma should now have an inhaled steroid, and a blue reliever on its own is no longer recommended. If you only have a blue inhaler, talk to your GP or asthma nurse about a preventer.

Our reliever inhalers

Both contain the same medicine at the same strength, so they work in the same way. Some people are simply used to one or the other. If you're swapping brands, the technique is the same.

How to use your reliever inhaler

Good technique makes a big difference to how much medicine reaches your lungs.

1. Take the cap off and shake the inhaler.
2. Breathe out gently, away from the inhaler.
3. Put the mouthpiece between your lips and start to breathe in slowly.
4. Press the canister once as you breathe in, and keep breathing in steadily.
5. Hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, then breathe out slowly.
6. Wait about 30 seconds before a second puff.

A spacer makes it easier to get the timing right and gets more medicine into your lungs. Our guide on how to use a spacer with an inhaler walks you through it.

Is your asthma under control?

Your reliever is a good early warning sign. Asthma is not well controlled if you:

• use your blue inhaler 3 or more times a week;
• wake at night with a cough, wheeze or tight chest;
• find your symptoms stop you exercising or getting on with your day;
• have needed steroid tablets or emergency treatment in the past year.

If any of these sound familiar, book an asthma review with your GP or asthma nurse. Changing your preventer often means you need the blue inhaler far less.

Common triggers

• colds, flu and chest infections;
• pollen (see our hay fever treatment page);
• dust mites, pets and mould;
• cold air, exercise and smoke;
• strong emotions and stress. Our blog on asthma and anxiety explains the link.

What to do in an asthma attack

Signs of an attack include your reliever not helping, being too breathless to speak, eat or sleep, or breathing faster than usual.

1. Sit up straight and try to stay calm.
2. Take 1 puff of your reliever every 30 to 60 seconds, up to 10 puffs.
3. Call 999 if you feel worse at any point, or you don't feel better after 10 puffs.
4. If help hasn't arrived after 10 minutes, repeat step 2.

Even if the attack settles, see a GP or asthma nurse within 48 hours.

Side effects

Salbutamol is generally well tolerated. Some people notice:

• shaky hands;
• a faster heartbeat or palpitations;
• a headache;
• muscle cramps.

These usually pass quickly. If you need so much of your reliever that side effects are a problem, that's a sign your asthma needs reviewing.

How to order a reliever inhaler from MedsRus

1. Complete a short asthma review about your symptoms, how often you use your reliever and your other medicines.
2. A UK prescriber checks it and, if it's suitable, approves your inhaler. If your answers suggest your asthma isn't well controlled, we'll tell you and suggest you see your GP.
3. We send it in discreet packaging.

We supply one reliever inhaler per month, and may decline further orders if we have concerns about how often you're using it. As part of the review we ask for your GP's details so we can keep them informed.

Start your asthma review →

Asthma inhaler FAQs

Can I buy a blue inhaler without seeing my GP?

Yes, after an online review with our prescriber. You'll still need your GP for your preventer and regular asthma reviews.

How do I know when my inhaler is empty?

Ventolin and Salamol don't have a dose counter, so keep track of your puffs or keep a spare. Floating the canister in water isn't reliable and can damage it.

Is Salamol the same as Ventolin?

Both contain salbutamol 100 micrograms per puff and work in the same way. They're made by different companies.

How often can I use my reliever?

Use it when you need it for symptoms. If you're using it 3 or more times a week, your asthma needs reviewing.

Can I use my blue inhaler before exercise?

Yes, many people take 1 or 2 puffs before exercise. If exercise regularly sets off your asthma, mention it to your GP, as it can be a sign your asthma isn't well controlled.

How many blue inhalers can I order?

We supply one reliever inhaler a month at most. If you're getting through a new inhaler every month or two, your asthma probably isn't well controlled, and it's worth a review with your GP or asthma nurse.

Is it asthma or anxiety?

They can feel similar. Read asthma vs anxiety attack for how to tell the difference.

Further reading

• Buying inhalers online: what you need to know
• All chronic condition treatments

Sources:

• NHS: Asthma
• NHS: Salbutamol inhaler
• NICE NG245: Asthma diagnosis, monitoring and management
• Asthma + Lung UK: Inhaler technique videos