The Chemistry of Asthma Inhalers

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The Chemistry of Asthma Inhalers

If you’re an asthma sufferer, you likely need at least one inhaler to keep your symptoms in check – or maybe even two different types. Commonly, those afflicted with asthma will have both a blue and a brown inhaler. Whilst the colours can vary, the purpose of the chemical compounds contained therein differ dependent on the particular inhaler.

Broadly speaking, drugs for asthma can be split into two types: relievers, and preventers. The purpose of each is fairly self-explanatory: relievers are used for the relief of asthma symptoms when they become apparent, whilst the preventers are used to help stop these symptoms appearing in the first place. Different chemical compounds are required depending on which of the two results we want to accomplish.