No; the medicine and technique must be prescribed and taught for that individual.
Inhalers contain different medicines and doses, and sharing is unhygienic. Incorrect technique reduces effectiveness; ask a doctor or pharmacist to check your technique. Severe breathlessness that does not improve with the prescribed rescue medicine is urgent.
Medical principle
Breathing symptoms can result from infection, allergy, asthma, heart problems or environmental factors. Onset, triggers, fever, wheezing and limits on activity are important to assessment.
Practical steps that may help
- Avoid smoke and known triggers and maintain adequate ventilation.
- Practise correct inhaler technique with a doctor or pharmacist; incorrect technique reduces treatment benefit.
- Record cough duration, fever, sputum, wheezing and links with seasons or surroundings.
When should you seek medical care?
Severe or sudden breathlessness, blue colouring, inability to speak a full sentence, chest pain, coughing blood or reduced awareness require an immediate call to local emergency services.
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