AIR (Anti-Inflammatory Reliever) Inhaler Therapy
AIR therapy (short for Anti-Inflammatory Reliever) is a modern approach to treating asthma that combines both reliever and preventer treatment into one inhaler. This approach can be simpler and more effective for many children and young people with asthma.
What is AIR therapy?
Traditional asthma treatment uses two types of inhalers:
- A preventer (usually an inhaled corticosteroid, or ICS) to reduce inflammation and prevent symptoms
- A reliever (such as salbutamol) to treat symptoms quickly during flare-ups
AIR therapy combines these into one inhaler, usually containing a corticosteroid and a fast-acting reliever medicine (formoterol). This means your child uses the same inhaler for both everyday prevention and when symptoms flare up.
Who is AIR therapy suitable for?
AIR therapy is usually recommended for:
- Children aged 12 and over with moderate or persistent asthma
- Young people who struggle to remember to take daily preventer inhalers
- Those who are overusing salbutamol (blue inhaler) but not using their preventer regularly
Some younger children (aged 6–11) may also benefit, depending on their asthma severity and ability to use the device correctly.
How does AIR therapy work?
AIR therapy allows children to:
- Take their inhaler when they have symptoms (e.g. wheeze, cough, tight chest)
- Use the same inhaler regularly once or twice a day as a preventer (if advised)
- Avoid needing a separate blue inhaler
This means treatment is tailored to the child’s needs day to day, and increases protection during flare-ups without needing to switch inhalers.
Benefits of AIR
- Simpler routine – only one inhaler needed
- Improved asthma control – because children get extra preventer medicine during flare-ups
- Reduced risk of attacks – particularly in children who don’t use preventers consistently
- Flexible use – can be stepped up when needed and down when stable
Common AIR inhalers
| Inhaler Brand | Medication Inside | Age Approved |
|---|---|---|
| Fostair MDI | Beclometasone + Formoterol | 18+ (off-label under 18s) |
| Symbicort Turbohaler | Budesonide + Formoterol | Age 12+ |
| DuoResp Spiromax | Budesonide + Formoterol | Age 12+ |
Note: Some may be prescribed off-label in younger age groups by a specialist.
Important safety points
- Always follow the personalised asthma action plan provided by your doctor or asthma nurse
- Keep track of the number of inhalations taken – especially during flare-ups
- Children using AIR therapy should not use a separate blue inhaler, unless specifically advised
- A spacer device may be needed for younger children or those using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
When to seek help
Speak to your child’s healthcare team if:
- Symptoms are worsening despite using AIR therapy
- Your child is using the inhaler more than 8 times in a day
- You’re unsure whether this treatment is right for your child
Summary
AIR therapy is a safe and effective modern treatment for asthma in children and young people. By combining daily control with symptom relief in a single inhaler, AIR makes it easier to manage asthma and reduce the risk of serious attacks — especially in those who struggle with multiple inhalers or forget their preventer.
Located in London | Infants to young adults seen
Request a referral or book an appointment with Professor Gupta today.
