Conventionally there are two main kinds of asthma treatment that your doctor may prescribe for you. They are called relievers and preventers. Relievers are treatments taken to relieve asthma symptoms. They quickly relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways (within 5-10 minutes), making it easier to breathe again. Reliever inhalers are usually blue. If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than once in any day, or more than 3-4 times a week, you will usually be prescribed a preventer treatment by your doctor to keep your asthma symptoms under control. This is because relievers do not reduce the inflammation and swelling in the airways. Preventers help to control swelling and inflammation in the airways. They also stop the airways from being so sensitive to asthma triggers. Preventer inhalers are usually brown, red or orange. Preventer treatments are designed to be taken regularly (as prescribed by your doctor).

Sometimes, high doses of reliever treatment can slightly increase your heart beat or give you mild muscle shakes. These effects are harmless and generally wear off after a short period of time. It is not possible to overdose on reliever treatment. Preventer treatments usually contain corticosteroids. Using a preventer inhaler brings a small risk of a mouth infection called thrush and hoarseness of the voice. You can avoid this by using your inhaler before brushing your teeth and by rinsing out your mouth afterwards. Using a spacer or volumiser device will also reduce your chances of these side effects.