What Is a Blue Inhaler for? How, Why, and When To Use It!

---

Posted by Prescription Hope - See Editorial Guidelines (Last Updated On: Thu Apr 27 2023)

Confused by the colors of inhalers? It’s not uncommon to ask questions such as what is the blue inhaler for?

So in this article, we’ll answer this question and others regarding the blue inhaler, to provide you with a better level of understanding. But first, here’s the quick overview answer, then we’ll get into more details.

What Is The Blue Inhaler For? Conventionally blue inhalers are for relieving sudden asthma symptoms that come without warning and for asthma attacks. This is why they are also called “reliever inhalers.” It is a short-term treatment and is not for daily use. However, blue inhalers are not universally color-coded to be reliever inhalers.

Now we’ve seen the quick answer, let’s dive into more details and answers, starting with a fuller roundup of what the blue inhaler is actually for!

What is a Blue Inhaler Used for?

In general, a blue inhaler is referred to as a reliever inhaler. It is for use in relieving asthma symptoms and for immediate use, such as in the situation of an asthma attack.

You can use a blue inhaler when you experience the usual asthma symptoms or symptoms of an asthma attack such as chest tightness or shortness of breath.

Typically, this inhaler aims to provide “quick-relief” from asthma-related breathing problems when they happen unexpectedly.

The blue inhaler is also a reliable treatment during the event of an asthma attack. This means the blue inhaler is a suitable and preferred product to use when you’re having an asthma attack.

Apart from that, you can also use your reliever inhaler before your asthma symptoms get worse or when you know you’re about to experience any asthma symptoms, such as before or after a life event. This includes when you’re starting to get a cold and finding it harder to breathe normally, or before exercise when you know your asthma symptoms could start to develop afterward.

Are all Blue Inhalers Used for Relieving Asthma Symptoms and Attacks?

Although there’s no universally accepted color-coding to denote blue inhalers as being reliever inhalers, certain research supports the need to do so.

According to one study, around 95% of healthcare professionals felt the color convention of blue inhalers being reliever inhalers was important when explaining asthma care to patients.

Furthermore, among the patients, only 88.7% of respondents cited the color blue when referring to reliever inhalers.

So, because of these reasons, many manufacturers use the color blue to support this conventional belief, to the point where now, almost all reliever inhalers come in a standard blue color.

Is the Blue Inhaler for Long or Short-Term Treatment?

The blue inhaler is a reliever inhaler that aims to relieve symptoms of asthma that occur unexpectedly and for asthma attacks.

Its mechanism and how the medications in a blue inhaler work are solely for immediate, short-term treatment. Therefore, the inhaler provides quick easing of breathing difficulties.

This means that the blue inhaler is not an ideal long-term solution for treatment for your asthma condition.

They are not for preventing asthma symptoms in the long term. The blue inhaler is only a short-term medication solution for relieving asthma symptoms, those that come without warning.

How Does the Blue Inhaler Work for Short-Term Treatment?

The blue inhaler contains a short-acting bronchodilator. A bronchodilator is responsible for relaxing muscles around the lungs and airways. The airways are then allowed to open up more, allowing for more airflow. Increased airflow provides easier breathing for those struggling with asthma.

The immediate relief brought by the bronchodilator in the blue inhaler will not prevent symptoms or cure asthma.

What a Blue Inhaler is Not Used For?

The blue inhaler is not for daily use. It’s safe, but it should only be used in conditions as advised by your doctor – and depending on your asthma symptoms.

In most cases, your doctor will often provide another inhaler, which might be a brown inhaler, along with the blue inhaler. In such cases, the brown inhaler is for daily use and long-term treatment.

It is recommended to keep your blue inhaler, or reliever inhaler, with at or in close proximity to you at all times.

You can find out more about other inhalers below:

Brown Inhalers

Yellow Inhalers

Red and White Inhalers

If you’re in a situation where you’re using the blue inhaler more than three times a week, then it probably means the blue inhaler alone is not enough.

This means your asthma conditions are not being controlled sufficiently, and you might want another type of inhaler or other advanced treatments for your asthma conditions.

The same applies when you use the blue inhaler up to four times in a 24-hour period.

But this means that you’re potentially going through a severe asthma condition that needs additional medical attention and may need further medications.

Should you need a blue inhaler, or additional medications, then it’s worth enrolling with us, as we could dramatically reduce your medication costs . 

Who is the Blue Inhaler For?

The first question you should probably ask is do I need an inhaler at all?

If so, then the blue inhaler is safe and effective for children above 12 years of age, adults, and even pregnant/breastfeeding women.

For children below 12 years, you might need to get your doctor’s consent. However, if pregnant/breastfeeding women have complications with other medical conditions, they should consult further with their doctor.

The normal way to use blue inhalers for children and adults is 1-2 puffs as needed. You should not exceed the 1-2 puff dosage 4 times in a 24-hour period. You should have a break of at least 10-15 minutes between each dosage.

To Finish

We hope this has been useful in providing you with some insight on what the blue inhaler is for, how it works, and what it treats. If you need to review the costs of your blue inhaler or any of the 1500+ medications we offer, then enroll in our program.

Prescription Hope works with over 180 pharmaceutical manufacturers and utilizes their patient assistance programs to provide you with a flat-rate cost for your medication. Enroll with us to find out if you are eligible to pay only $60.00 a month through Prescription Hope’s medication access service for each of your medications .