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Rescue vs. Controller Inhalers

Rescue Inhalers

  • Used intermittently to relieve symptoms
  • Most contain Albuterol
  • Only take a few minutes to begin working, but effects last 4-6 hours

 

Controller Inhalers

  • Typically taken on a daily basis
  • Most contain corticosteroid
  • Can take days to weeks to start working, but provide long-term treatment if taken as scheduled 

 

Neither rescue or controller inhalers will cure asthma.