Rescue inhaler: what it does and when to use one

A rescue inhaler stops wheezing and breathlessness fast. If you have asthma or COPD, this small canister can be the difference between keeping calm and heading to urgent care. Most rescue inhalers contain short-acting bronchodilators (albuterol or levalbuterol) that relax airway muscles within minutes.

Want the basics you can use right away? Know which inhaler you have, keep it with you, and follow a written action plan from your clinician. Don't guess doses when breathing is hard—use your plan.

When and how to use a rescue inhaler

Use a rescue inhaler at the first sign of an attack: coughing that won’t stop, tight chest, trouble speaking in full sentences, or increased wheeze. Typical steps for an MDI (press-and-breathe inhaler):

1) Shake the inhaler and remove the cap. 2) Breathe out fully. 3) Put the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips. 4) Press the canister once while starting a slow, deep breath. 5) Hold your breath for 5–10 seconds, then breathe out slowly. Wait one minute before a second puff if needed.

If you have a spacer, use it. Spacers cut down on coordination problems and send more medicine into your lungs. For kids or anyone who struggles with MDIs, a nebulizer delivers the same drug as a fine mist over several minutes—useful in severe attacks or when instructed by a provider.

Picking, storing, and checking your inhaler

There are brand names (like ProAir, Ventolin, Xopenex) and generics (albuterol sulfate). Generic albuterol works the same in most cases and usually costs less. Levalbuterol can be an option if side effects from albuterol are a problem, but it’s often pricier.

Store inhalers at room temperature away from heat. Check the dose counter or keep a log—don’t rely only on feeling the spray. Replace an inhaler after the listed number of doses or if it’s past the expiration date. Carry a backup if you can.

Know side effects: a fast heartbeat, jitteriness, or mild tremor are common and usually temporary. If your rescue inhaler needs more frequent doses than normal, call your clinician—this can mean worsening asthma needing a treatment change.

Make a simple routine: keep an extra inhaler at home and one at work or school, review your inhaler technique every visit, and update your written asthma action plan each year or after a flare. If you’re buying meds online or want alternatives, check trusted reviews and ask your pharmacist before switching brands.

Need more detail on specific brands or alternatives like ProAir? Check our related articles for comparisons, drug info, and practical tips tailored to real life. Stay prepared—breath better, act sooner.