A reliever inhaler is used to ease asthma symptoms quickly. In first aid, it is one of the most important asthma terms because it is the inhaler people use when breathing gets worse or an asthma attack starts.
What is a reliever inhaler?
A reliever inhaler is a puffer that contains fast-acting medicine to help open narrowed airways.
In Australia, the medicine inside is often Salbutamol or another fast-acting reliever. These inhalers are commonly used during worsening asthma symptoms or an Asthma Attack.
What does a reliever inhaler do?
A reliever inhaler can help:
- ease wheezing
- reduce chest tightness
- improve shortness of breath
- make breathing easier quickly
It gives symptom relief, but it does not replace long-term asthma control treatment.
Is a reliever inhaler the same as salbutamol?
Not exactly. A reliever inhaler is the device or puffer. Salbutamol is one of the common fast-acting medicines inside it.
Some people also use a Spacer with their reliever inhaler to help more medicine reach the lungs.
How is a reliever inhaler used in first aid?
If the person has asthma symptoms or may be having an asthma attack:
- Sit them upright.
- Stay calm and reassure them.
- Help them use their own reliever inhaler if they have one.
- Use a spacer if appropriate and available.
- Follow their asthma action plan if available.
- Watch closely for improvement or worsening.
For the main practical response page, see Asthma Attack.
When should you call 000?
Call 000 in Australia if:
- breathing is getting harder
- the person cannot speak properly
- the reliever inhaler is not helping enough
- the person looks exhausted, floppy, or confused
- lips are turning blue
- the person becomes Unresponsive
If the person becomes unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR.
How is a reliever inhaler different from a preventer inhaler?
A Preventer Inhaler is used regularly to help reduce flare-ups over time. A reliever inhaler is the one used for quick symptom relief when breathing gets worse.
Quick answer
A reliever inhaler is a puffer used for quick asthma symptom relief. In first aid, it is often used when someone has worsening asthma symptoms or an asthma attack and needs fast help to open the airways.
Sources reviewed
Reviewed against current Australian first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.
