Respiratory Conditions and Medications

Types of Inhalers

• Short Acting Inhalers (Relievers)

  • Examples: Salbutamol, Ventolin, Salamol, Terbutaline, Bricanyl
  • Characteristics:
    • Usually blue
    • Quick action (within 5 minutes)
    • Duration: 4-6 hours

• Anti-inflammatory Inhalers

  • Characteristics:
    • Usually brown or orange
    • Contain steroids to reduce swelling/inflammation
    • Start working best after 1-3 weeks
    • Important to wash mouth after use

• Long Acting Inhalers (Relievers)

  • Examples: Serevent, Oxis, Salmeterol, Formoterol, Oladaterol

  • Characteristics:

    • Take 5-20 minutes to work
    • Taken twice daily, lasting 12 hours
    • Relax muscles around airways

  • Tiotropium, Spiriva, Braltus, Incruse, Umeclidinium

    • Aqua green
    • Taken once daily, lasting 24 hours

Combination Inhalers

• Include long acting and anti-inflammatory medications
• Examples: Symbicort, Relvar, Fostair, Seretide, Duoresp
• Triple Therapy inhalers are available, e.g., Trelegy, Trimbow

Other Medications

• Oral Bronchodilators

  • Theophylline: Prescribed if frequent breathlessness occurs despite maximum inhaler use

• Antibiotics

  • Examples: Amoxicillin, Doxycycline for chest infections

• Steroids

  • Used to reduce inflammation in airways

• Carbocisteine/Mucodyne

  • Used to thin chest secretions for easier coughing

Oxygen Therapy

• Prescribed for chronically low blood oxygen levels
• Protects organs and tissues, not a treatment for breathlessness
• Patients should stabilize back on usual inhalers
• Nebuliser equipment should be serviced annually
• Keep masks and equipment clean, avoid wet tubing

Nebulisers/Compressors

• Not for routine use
• Effective in severe exacerbations to avoid hospitalization
• Provided by Acute Respiratory Team during crises if inhalers provide limited relief

Maintenance Tips

• Ensure annual servicing of nebulisers
• Clean masks and equipment regularly

These notes cover the types of inhalers, their uses, and additional medications related to respiratory conditions, including guidelines on oxygen therapy and nebuliser use. They provide an overview of the management and treatment strategies for various respiratory complaints.