Asthma medication: Rescue vs controller and how to use them

A quick puff can stop an attack. But which asthma medication should you grab — and when? This page breaks the basics into simple, usable parts: fast-acting rescue meds, longer-term controllers, and a few practical tips that actually help you breathe easier every day.

Rescue inhalers: when and how to use them

Rescue inhalers give rapid relief from tightness and wheeze. These are short-acting beta-agonists (SABAs) like Ventolin (salbutamol/albuterol). Use one or two puffs if you suddenly feel breathless, then wait a minute to see if symptoms ease. If you need more than one round, call your doctor or emergency services.

Practical tips: use a spacer if you can — it makes the dose more effective and reduces throat irritation. Check the expiry date and the dose counter on the inhaler. If your rescue inhaler is being used more than twice a week for symptoms (not counting exercise prevention), talk to your doctor: that means your asthma isn’t well controlled and you may need a controller.

Want options beyond Ventolin? Our article "Top Rescue Inhalers: Fast-Acting Alternatives to Ventolin in 2025" compares other quick-relief inhalers and how they perform in real situations.

Long-term control and other options

Controllers reduce inflammation and lower the chance of attacks. The most common are inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). For many people, a combination inhaler that pairs an ICS with a long-acting bronchodilator (LABA) works well for daily control. These medicines don’t relieve an attack fast — they work over weeks to cut flare-ups.

Other choices include leukotriene receptor antagonists (like montelukast) which come as pills, short courses of oral steroids for bad flare-ups, and biologic injections for severe, hard-to-control asthma. Biologics are prescription treatments that target specific immune pathways and are used when inhalers and pills aren’t enough.

Allergic triggers often make asthma worse. Antihistamines such as fexofenadine can help with allergy symptoms that trigger breathing problems; see our guide "Buy Fexofenadine Online Safely" for tips on allergy meds. If allergies are a major factor, allergy control and immunotherapy might be part of your plan.

Simple daily habits matter: take your controller exactly as prescribed, keep rescue meds handy, and avoid known triggers like smoke, strong fumes, or cold air when possible. Keep an asthma action plan that tells you what to do at each symptom level — green (well), yellow (worse), red (emergency).

Quick checklist before you leave this page: 1) Know which inhaler is your rescue vs controller. 2) Use a spacer if instructed. 3) Check dose counters and expiry dates. 4) Schedule regular reviews with your clinician. 5) Have a clear action plan for attacks.

Questions about a specific medicine or how to switch inhalers? Talk to your healthcare provider — and if you want to read more, check the linked articles on rescue inhalers and allergy meds on this site for practical, real-world info.