How should inhalers be used in succession for asthma management?

The recommended order for using inhalers in asthma management begins with the short-acting β2-agonist (SABA), which serves as a rescue medication to provide rapid relief from acute bronchospasm. Administering the SABA first helps to quickly dilate the airways, making it easier for subsequent medications to be delivered effectively.

Following the SABA, the long-acting bronchodilators such as LABA (long-acting β2-agonist) or LAMA (long-acting muscarinic antagonist), if used, are provided next. These medications work to maintain airway dilation over a longer period and are essential for controlling chronic symptoms and preventing nighttime awakenings.

Finally, inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) should be administered. ICS are anti-inflammatory medications that help address the underlying inflammatory process in asthma and improve long-term control. Using the SABA first ensures that the bronchodilator effect is maximized and that the ICS can penetrate deeply into the lungs for effective distribution.

This sequential administration supports optimal therapeutic outcomes in managing asthma symptoms, ensuring that the quickest relief can be prioritized while also maintaining control through longer-lasting medications.