‘ AIR’ therapy for Mild Asthma – A change to recommended treatment

We have contacted you as you have ‘mild asthma’ and are only using salbutamol – the blue reliever inhaler – without a regular inhaled steroid preventer.

Latest research and asthma guidance is that using salbutamol by itself can occasionally INCREASE the risk of a severe asthma attack. It is recommended to switch to a combination inhaler with a steroid and bronchodilator called ‘AIR’ therapy.

This is still used when needed, so does not need to be taken regularly. It still works quickly, although some people feel it takes about 2 minutes to kick in, which is very slightly slower than salbutamol.

As well as being safer, the other advantage is that if you are needing more reliever due to pollen, a cold, or weather changes for example, you will automatically get the anti-inflammatory effect of the steroid, which is the important part of asthma treatment

In an acute attack, this can be used up to the maximum number stated on the prescription (usually 8 puffs in 24 hours).

We have issued a new prescription. The Technique for the new inhaler may be different to what you are used to. Please check the technique videos here:

https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/living-with/inhaler-videos

If you use the inhaler more than 3 times a day, or have ongoing symptoms, get in touch as we will need to change you to ‘MART’ therapy. This where the same inhaler is taken regularly every day, and if needed for symptoms in between. (again up to the maximum daily dose, usually 8 puffs/24 hours).

There is more some excellent information about ‘AIR’ treatment for mild asthma here:

https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/symptoms-tests-treatments/treatments/air

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the surgery, or with our asthma nurses.

The Meadows Team