--- title: "Inhalers: Uses, Side Effects & NHS Guidance | HealthAnswers" description: "Inhalers deliver asthma and COPD medicine straight to the lungs — reliever inhalers act fast, preventer inhalers are taken daily, and technique matters." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/inhalers/ robots: noindex --- # Inhalers: Uses, Side Effects & NHS Guidance | HealthAnswers Treatments Inhalers deliver asthma and COPD medicine straight to the lungs — reliever inhalers act fast, preventer inhalers are taken daily, and technique matters. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What are inhalers used for? Inhalers are devices that deliver medicine straight to the lungs, used for conditions like asthma and COPD. Reliever inhalers ease symptoms quickly when they occur, while preventer inhalers are used daily to keep the airways calm. Using the right technique matters, so the medicine reaches the lungs. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Inhalers, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 5 sections ## Key facts about inhalers - Inhalers deliver medicine directly to the lungs. - Reliever inhalers, often blue, ease symptoms quickly when they occur. - Preventer inhalers are used every day to prevent symptoms. - Good inhaler technique is essential for the medicine to work. ## What are inhalers? Inhalers are small devices that deliver medicine as a spray or powder that you breathe directly into your lungs. Because the medicine goes straight to where it is needed, inhalers are very effective and use small amounts of medicine. They are the mainstay of treatment for conditions such as asthma and COPD. ## Reliever and preventer inhalers There are two main types: - Reliever inhalers ease symptoms quickly when they happen, by relaxing and opening the airways. They are often blue and are used as needed. - Preventer inhalers are used every day, even when you feel well. They reduce inflammation in the airways over time, preventing symptoms and attacks. Many people with asthma use both — a preventer daily, and a reliever for occasional symptoms. Some people use combination inhalers that do both jobs. ## Why inhaler technique matters An inhaler only works if the medicine actually reaches your lungs. Poor technique means much of it ends up in the mouth and throat instead. It is well worth asking your GP, nurse or pharmacist to watch you use yours and check your technique — small adjustments can make a big difference. A spacer device can help. ## Staying in control of your asthma or COPD If you are relying on your reliever inhaler frequently, it is a sign your condition may not be well controlled — speak to your GP or nurse, who may adjust your treatment. Keeping a personal asthma action plan, and attending regular reviews, helps you stay well. ## When an asthma attack is a medical emergency If a reliever inhaler is not helping during an asthma attack, breathing is very difficult, or someone cannot speak in full sentences, treat it as an emergency and call 999. ## ! Important safety information for inhalers See your GP or asthma/COPD nurse if you are using your reliever inhaler often (for asthma, three or more times a week can mean it is not well controlled), if your symptoms are getting worse, or if you are unsure of your technique. Call **999** for an asthma attack where the reliever is not helping, you are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep, or your lips or fingers look blue. ## Common questions about inhalers What is the difference between a reliever and a preventer inhaler? A reliever inhaler is used when you have symptoms and works quickly to open the airways — it is often blue. A preventer inhaler is used every day, even when you feel well, to reduce inflammation and stop symptoms developing. Many people with asthma use both. How do I use an inhaler correctly? Technique varies by device, and getting it right ensures the medicine reaches your lungs rather than your mouth and throat. Ask your GP, nurse or pharmacist to check your technique — a spacer device can help, especially for children and older people. Why do I need to use my preventer inhaler when I feel fine? Preventer inhalers work by keeping inflammation in the airways under control over time. Skipping them when you feel well allows inflammation to build up again, making symptoms and attacks more likely. Use it daily as prescribed. What is a spacer? A spacer is a plastic chamber that attaches to some inhalers. It makes them easier to use and helps more of the medicine reach the lungs. It is particularly useful for children, older people, and during a flare-up. ## Sources - [NHS — Asthma treatment](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/treatment/)