Asthma inhaler types – reliever, preventer and more
The main asthma inhaler types, what reliever and preventer treatment are for, and why the device technique matters as much as the medicine.
Asthma inhalers do not all do the same job
Asthma inhalers can deliver medicines that relax narrowed airways, reduce airway inflammation or combine those roles. The device may be a metered-dose inhaler, dry-powder inhaler or another system. The correct choice depends on the treatment plan, age, ability to use the device and local availability.
Reliever, preventer and device
- A reliever is used for sudden symptoms according to the asthma action plan.
- A preventer or controller is used regularly to reduce airway inflammation and future symptoms.
- Some plans use a combination inhaler; the label and clinician's instructions decide its role.
- A spacer can improve delivery from a suitable metered-dose inhaler and can make technique easier.
Examples from the curated formulary, not a personal treatment recommendation:
Salbutamol (Inhaler) — Ventolin, Asthavent, Cipla Salbutamol, Aerolin
Asthma (reliever); COPD (reliever); acute bronchospasm
Beclometasone — Beclate, Becotide, Clenil, Aerobec
Asthma — inhaled corticosteroid preventer
Budesonide — Pulmicort, Budecort, Inflammide, Rhinocort (nasal)
Asthma preventer; COPD; allergic rhinitis (nasal spray)
Budesonide / Formoterol — Symbicort
Asthma (maintenance and reliever therapy — MART); COPD maintenance
Learn the device, not just the name
- Ask a clinician or pharmacist to watch you use the device.
- Use a spacer when advised for a metered-dose inhaler.
- Check whether your inhaler is a reliever or preventer and record it.
- Rinse your mouth after an inhaled corticosteroid when the product instructions say to do so.
Frequent reliever use is a review signal
Common questions
- What types of inhalers are used for asthma?
- Asthma plans may include reliever, preventer or combination inhalers, delivered through different devices. A clinician or pharmacist should match the device and medicine to the person's plan.
- Are all inhalers for asthma?
- No. Inhalers are also used for other breathing conditions. The medicine and instructions on the label matter more than the device shape.
Sources
- Primary Healthcare STG and EML, Appendix II: Respiratory devicesNational Department of Health, South Africa
- Primary Healthcare Standard Treatment Guidelines and Essential Medicines ListNational Department of Health, South Africa
Last reviewed 26 August 2026.