Too much blue? Get an asthma review

If you’re using your blue reliever inhaler more than three times a week it could be a sign that your asthma isn’t properly managed, putting you at risk of a serious attack.

We’ve launched a new campaign, Too Much Blue?, to remind people to be aware of their reliever inhaler use and to talk to their GP practice team if they’re using it too often.

Your practice team can arrange an asthma review where they’ll check you’re using your reliever and preventer inhalers properly. They’ll also talk to you about things you could be doing to reduce symptoms.

Most GP practices offer these reviews automatically to their asthma patients once a year but if you’ve not been invited make sure to ask.

Your practice team might also discuss new treatments such as Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART). This is a new type of treatment that combines preventer and reliever medication. It’s being rolled out gradually in England and it’s shown to improve symptoms for asthma sufferers.

Preventer or reliever?

Preventer inhalers (which are often brown) prevent the inflammation that causes asthma attacks. Used regularly they will help you to manage your asthma, with less inflammation and fewer attacks.

Reliever inhalers (blue) are for emergency relief when you’re suffering an asthma attack, not for everyday use. If you’re using yours more than three times a week, it could be a sign that your asthma isn’t managed properly.