What is an emergency inhaler called? A Guide to Rescue Inhalers

Millions of people with asthma or COPD rely on inhalers, yet a significant number may not use them correctly or understand their purpose. So, what is an emergency inhaler called? The most common term for this fast-acting device is a “rescue inhaler,” which delivers medication to quickly open your airways during a breathing crisis.

Quick Summary

An emergency inhaler is most commonly called a rescue inhaler or quick-relief inhaler. It contains fast-acting medication to relax airway muscles during sudden breathing problems, such as an asthma attack or COPD flare-up, and is distinct from daily-use maintenance inhalers.

Key Points

• Rescue Inhaler: An emergency inhaler is most commonly referred to as a rescue inhaler, designed for immediate, short-term relief during acute breathing episodes.

• Quick Relief: The medication in rescue inhalers, known as a Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA), acts quickly to relax the airways and alleviate symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath.

• Albuterol & Levalbuterol: The most common active ingredients in rescue inhalers are albuterol (brand names like Ventolin HFA, ProAir) and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA).

• Maintenance vs. Rescue: Rescue inhalers are for emergencies, while maintenance or controller inhalers are used daily to prevent symptoms from occurring.

• Overuse Warning: Using a rescue inhaler more than twice a week (excluding exercise-induced cases) suggests that the underlying respiratory condition is poorly controlled and warrants a doctor's consultation.

• Proper Technique: Correct inhaler technique is crucial for medication to reach the lungs effectively; using a spacer can also be beneficial.

• Side Effects: Common side effects include shakiness, nervousness, and an increased heart rate, though these are typically temporary.

What is an emergency inhaler called?: The Breakdown

When a sudden and severe breathing problem, such as an asthma attack or a COPD flare-up, occurs, a patient needs immediate relief. The device used for this is known by several names, but the most common is a rescue inhaler. This name perfectly describes its purpose: to rescue an individual from acute symptoms of bronchoconstriction. Other terms you might hear include quick-relief inhaler or reliever inhaler.

The medication inside these inhalers works to relax the muscles surrounding the airways, causing them to widen and making it easier to breathe. This process is called bronchodilation, and the drugs that cause it are known as bronchodilators.

Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs)

The active ingredients in most rescue inhalers belong to a class of medications called Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs). These are designed to provide rapid symptom relief within minutes, with effects lasting for approximately four to six hours. The SABA medication binds to specific receptors in the airways, signaling the smooth muscles to relax and open up the air passages.

Common Brand Names

The most widely recognized SABA is albuterol, also known as salbutamol in some countries. It is available under numerous brand names, including:

• Ventolin HFA
• ProAir HFA
• Proventil HFA
• ProAir RespiClick (a dry powder inhaler)

Another common SABA is levalbuterol, available under the brand name Xopenex HFA.

Rescue Inhaler vs. Maintenance Inhaler

Understanding the difference between a rescue inhaler and a maintenance (or controller) inhaler is critical for effective respiratory disease management. The two are not interchangeable and serve entirely different purposes.

Feature	Rescue (Quick-Relief) Inhaler	Maintenance (Controller) Inhaler
Purpose	To provide immediate relief for sudden breathing problems or attacks.	To prevent symptoms and manage the underlying disease over the long term.
Medication Type	Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs) like albuterol or levalbuterol.	Inhaled corticosteroids, Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs), or a combination of both.
Usage Frequency	Used on an as-needed basis when symptoms arise.	Taken regularly, often once or twice daily, even when feeling well.
Onset of Action	Works rapidly, within minutes, to open airways.	Takes days or weeks to build up and reach full effectiveness.
Examples	Ventolin HFA, Xopenex HFA.	Advair, Symbicort, Breo Ellipta.

When to Use a Rescue Inhaler

A rescue inhaler should be used whenever you experience sudden worsening of breathing symptoms. This can include:

• Wheezing: A high-pitched, whistling sound when you breathe.
• Shortness of breath: A feeling of being unable to get enough air.
• Coughing: Particularly if it's persistent and accompanied by tightness in the chest.
• Chest tightness: A constricted feeling in the chest.

For some people with exercise-induced asthma, a rescue inhaler may also be used prophylactically, 5 to 30 minutes before physical activity, to prevent symptoms. Always follow your healthcare provider's instructions for when and how to use it. If you find yourself needing your rescue inhaler more than twice a week (outside of exercise), it can be a sign that your underlying condition is not well-controlled and you should contact your doctor.

Potential Side Effects and Overuse

While rescue inhalers are generally well-tolerated, they can cause some side effects, primarily due to the stimulating effects of the medication. Common, usually temporary side effects include:

• Nervousness or shakiness
• Headache
• Increased heart rate or palpitations
• Throat irritation

Overusing a rescue inhaler is a serious issue that can indicate poor disease control and potentially lead to desensitization to the medication's effects over time, rendering it less effective when you truly need it. Using it too often may also increase the risk of more severe side effects, including heart problems. It is crucial to have a discussion with your healthcare provider if your rescue inhaler use is increasing.

How to Use Your Rescue Inhaler Properly

Proper technique is essential to ensure the medication reaches your lungs effectively. Here are the general steps for using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI):

1. Prime the inhaler: If it's brand new or hasn't been used for a while, shake it well and spray it into the air a few times, according to the package instructions.
2. Shake the inhaler: Shake it for 10 seconds before each puff.
3. Exhale: Breathe out all the way, away from the inhaler.
4. Position: Place the mouthpiece in your mouth, closing your lips tightly around it.
5. Inhale and Actuate: Press down on the canister while breathing in slowly and deeply through your mouth.
6. Hold your breath: Hold your breath for about 10 seconds, if possible, to allow the medication to settle.
7. Exhale: Breathe out slowly.
8. Repeat: If you need another puff, wait about one minute before repeating the steps.

Using a spacer device can help improve medication delivery, especially for those who struggle with coordinating breathing and actuation. The American Lung Association website provides helpful videos and resources on proper inhaler technique.

Conclusion

To answer the question, what is an emergency inhaler called, the most accurate and common term is a rescue inhaler. These devices contain powerful, fast-acting bronchodilators, primarily short-acting beta-agonists like albuterol, designed for immediate relief of sudden and severe breathing difficulties. It is vital to distinguish them from daily maintenance inhalers, which serve a different, long-term purpose. Understanding the function, proper usage, and limitations of a rescue inhaler is essential for anyone with a chronic respiratory condition to manage their health effectively and safely.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary difference between a rescue inhaler and a maintenance inhaler?

A rescue inhaler is used for fast, on-demand relief of sudden symptoms during an attack or flare-up, while a maintenance inhaler is taken daily to manage and prevent chronic symptoms over the long term.

When should I use a rescue inhaler?

Use a rescue inhaler at the first sign of breathing trouble, such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. It can also be used as a preventative measure before exercise if you have exercise-induced asthma, as directed by a doctor.

What happens if I overuse my rescue inhaler?

Overusing your rescue inhaler can mask the severity of your condition, lead to side effects like increased heart rate and nervousness, and make the medication less effective over time. It's a sign that your daily management plan may need to be adjusted by a healthcare provider.

Are albuterol and a rescue inhaler the same thing?

Albuterol is the medication found in many rescue inhalers. So, while not the same thing, the terms are often used interchangeably, much like 'Band-Aid' and 'adhesive bandage.' Common brand names for albuterol inhalers include Ventolin, ProAir, and Proventil.

How do rescue inhalers actually work?

Rescue inhalers work by delivering a type of medication called a Short-Acting Beta-Agonist (SABA) directly to the lungs. This medicine relaxes the smooth muscles around the airways, causing them to widen and allowing more air to flow in and out.

Do I need to clean my inhaler?

Yes, regular cleaning of your inhaler is important to prevent clogging from medication buildup. For a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), it's generally recommended to clean the plastic mouthpiece weekly.

What should I do if my rescue inhaler isn't working?

If your rescue inhaler does not relieve your symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen after use, seek immediate emergency medical care. You should also contact your doctor if you are using your rescue inhaler more frequently than usual, as it indicates a need for a reevaluation of your treatment plan.