Types

• There are two types of inhalers: dry powder and metered-dose. Metered-dose inhalers are the most common type. When a user presses down on the canister, chemicals are released to help propel the medicine into the lungs. Inhalers that contain dry powder do not use chemicals. Instead, the medication is activated when the user inhales. Some prefer dry powder inhalers because they are considered to be quicker and easier to use. A user does not have to press down on any canister to release the medicine, but rather simply inhales it in.
  
  

Brands

• Dry powder and metered-dose inhalers come in various forms and brands. Inhaled corticosteroids are a type of long-term medication that is used to reduce the inflammation of the lungs that causes asthma symptoms. Different brand names include Aerobid, Azmacort, Flovent, Pulmicort and Qvar. Make sure to rinse out the spacer after using these medications in a metered inhaler as side effects can result, including mouth irritation and yeast infections of the mouth.
  
  Long-acting beta-2 agonists are types of bronchodilators that are used to control asthma long term. Brands include Foradil Aerolizer and Serevent Diskus. They are often used in conjunction with inhaled corticosteroids. In fact, Advair Diskus and Symbicort are medications that include both.
  
  Quick-relief medications relieve the flare-up of asthma symptoms and help prevent the onset of an asthma attack. They do not reduce inflammation. Quick-relief medications are primarily in the form of short-term beta-2 agonists, and include AccuNeb, Maxair, Proventil, Ventolin and Xopenex.