Two types of asthma inhalers:

Asthma inhalers can generally be grouped into two types: reliever inhaler and preventer inhaler.

The former contains bronchodilator drugs which provide immediate relief for asthmatic symptoms by dilating the airways, but it does not stabilise the condition.

The latter commonly contains a steroid. It helps to reduce inflammation in the airways. But for it to be effective, it must be used daily and over a prolonged period, for instance, a month. As the condition becomes more stabilised, the need to use the reliever inhaler will be reduced.

Which inhaler should an asthma patient use?

The preventer spray is usually recommended.

'If patients display any asthma symptoms more than three times a week, they should go on the steroid spray,' said Dr Celena Tay of Family Medical Clinic in Bukit Batok East.

How can you tell when an inhaler is about to run out?

Dr Tay said that some brands of asthma inhalers have counters, but the common reliever sprays don't have them.

It is often difficult to tell when such inhalers are running out.

Dr Tay said experienced users may be able to sense when the inhaler is about to become empty and needs to be replaced.

Other factors that could cause an asthma attack:

Given Mr Tay's condition, Dr Tay felt that being a pet beautician was not an ideal occupation.

'Animal dander is one of the known allergens that can cause bronchospasm. They can create an allergic reaction which causes the airway to go into spasm and leads to an asthma attack,' she said.

The conditions at Mr Tay's workplace can also affect the frequency of asthma attacks.

Dr Tay said that poor ventilation and close proximity to animal fur could increase the chances of an asthma attack.

She added that asthma patients are also allergic to mould and dust that are more common in the tropics.

This story was first published in The New Paper on Jan 6, 2008.