Asthma inhalers are a vital tool to help manage the common lung condition, but medics have warned that some users of blue inhalers are not using them correctly. Blue inhalers, also known as reliever inhalers, deliver a dose of a short acting bronchodilator medicine. They can quickly open the airways to ease symptoms such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing.

But the the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is concerned that some patients are over-using the devices. It has issued a reminder to sufferers of the importance of using their preventer (anti-inflammatory) inhaler regularly as prescribed, and to avoid relying on their blue inhaler alone.

Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, said: “Patient safety is our top priority and we continue to monitor all medicines to ensure their benefits outweigh any risks.

“Patients should use their preventer inhaler as prescribed by their doctor, even if their asthma feels under control.

“Blue inhalers are important for treating symptoms during an asthma attack, but should not be used as the only treatment to manage asthma.

“We advise patients to speak to a healthcare professional if they find themselves needing their blue inhaler more than twice a week.”

Over-reliance on relief from a blue inhaler could mean that symptoms worsen over time, increasing the risk of asthma attacks.

Patients who are prescribed a blue inhaler to use during asthma attacks should also be given a preventer inhaler for daily use, the MHRA said.

Research by charity Asthma + Lung UK has estimated that one million sufferers could be at risk of a life-threatening attack due to relying only on a reliever inhaler.

Dr Cave added: “Preventer inhalers should be taken as prescribed, even when symptoms appear under control.

“If asthma symptoms worsen or are not relieved by their blue inhaler, such as chest tightness, wheezing, coughing or difficulty breathing, patients should seek urgent medical help.

"Any suspected side effects should be reported through our Yellow Card scheme.”