Reliever Medicines for Asthma

Asthma Relievers

There are many different kinds of reliever medicines for asthma. Reliever inhalers are usually blue.

Reliever medicines are also called short-acting bronchodilators. "Broncho-" refers to the airways. "Dilators" means these drugs expand the airways.

Short-acting bronchodilators provide quick relief during an asthma episode. They work quickly, within just a few minutes, to open up the lungs by relaxing the muscles around the airways. You will sometimes hear them called rescue medicines.

Some examples of short-acting bronchodilators include:

• salbutamol (Airomir or Ventolin, known as albuterol in the U.S.)
• terbutaline (Bricanyl)

Short-acting bronchodilators should be used when your child is having trouble with asthma, for example wheezing or coughing. Your doctor may also tell your child to take a reliever before exercising.

Your child must have her reliever medicine with her at all times, in case she needs to use it. She should either carry it herself, or keep it with the teacher. Talk to your child’s teachers and let them know about your child’s asthma needs.

If your child needs to take reliever medicine more than 3 times a week, not counting the times before exercising, this could be a sign that your child’s asthma is not well controlled. Take your child to see the doctor.

Possible side effects

Some side effects of short-acting bronchodilators include:

• faster heartbeat
• flushing
• nervousness or restlessness
• trembling or shaky hands
• hyperactivity