Budesonide inhalers are a steroid medicine that's used for asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Steroids (also known as corticosteroids) work because they closely copy the effects of natural hormones. Steroid inhalers prevent and reduce the swelling (inflammation) that can happen in your lungs if you have asthma or COPD. This swelling can sometimes make it difficult to breathe.
You can take budesonide using an inhaler (sometimes called a "puffer"), which is usually brown or beige. This is called a preventer inhaler because it helps to prevent you from getting symptoms.
Budesonide on its own does not work as a reliever (a medicine that relieves symptoms when you get them). It cannot treat an asthma attack when you suddenly get coughing, wheezing and breathlessness.
Some inhalers contain budesonide mixed with other medicines that help your breathing (bronchodilators).
A budesonide inhaler containing formoterol can be used as both a preventer and a reliever for asthma and COPD. Brand names include Symbicort Turbohaler, DuoResp Spiromax, Fobumix Easyhaler and WockAIR.
Budesonide also comes as:
- a nasal spray – for allergic rhinitis, hay fever and nasal polyps
- tablets, including tablets that dissolve on your tongue, capsules and granules – for inflammatory conditions such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, autoimmune hepatitis and eosinophilic oesophagitis
- rectal foam and enemas – for ulcerative colitis
- a nebuliser liquid
If you have severe asthma or COPD, you may need to use a nebuliser. A nebuliser helps you breathe in your medicine as a mist, using a mask or a mouthpiece. You can use a nebuliser in hospital, or you may be given one to manage your condition at home. Budesonide nebuliser liquid comes in individual doses called nebules or respules.
Key facts
- A budesonide inhaler does not work straight away. You need to use it every day for it to work, even if you do not have any symptoms.
- It's important to rinse your mouth or brush your teeth after using a steroid inhaler. This is to prevent infections and a sore mouth.
- You may get a blue steroid treatment card if you need a high dose of budesonide inhaler to control your symptoms. You may also need to carry a red steroid emergency card. Ask your pharmacist or doctor about these.
- You'll usually be given another inhaler called a reliever to help your symptoms when they happen. Or you may be given an inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol that can be used as both a preventer and a reliever. You'll usually be given a combined inhaler if you have COPD.