Children under five should always use a spacer with an aerosol inhaler. Older people, who can find using an aerosol inhaler difficult, will find spacers particularly helpful. For small children and babies, face masks are available to use instead of a mouthpiece. There are several types of spacers which are compatible with different makes of inhalers. Check with your doctor or practice nurse that you have the correct device.
Relievers usually come in blue inhalers.
You should take your reliever whenever you have symptoms such as cough, wheeze, chest tightness or shortness of breath. Relievers help you to breathe easily again by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. The medication should start to work within a few minutes and should last up to four hours. If you find that you need to use your reliever inhaler more frequently, seek advice from your doctor or practice nurse as soon as possible as you may need to use a preventer as well. Preventers usually come in brown, white, red or orange inhalers.