People using beclometasone inhalers for asthma or other health conditions may want to read up on the NHS guidance for the medication. These steroid inhalers are often prescribed as a 'preventer' inhaler, helping control your symptoms and prevent you feeling the effects of the disease.

The medication works by helping calm down your immune system and reduce swelling in the lungs, which can otherwise make it hard to breathe. The drug is most commonly used to treat asthma but can also help control COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), according to NHS guidance.

You can take beclometasone in several ways, including using an inhaler, also known as a puffer, which is usually brown or beige, but can also be red or pink. On the question of who can use these inhalers, NHS guidance states: "Most adults can use beclometasone inhalers for asthma or COPD.

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"Most infants and children can use beclometasone inhalers for asthma. Some brands may only be suitable for older children aged 5 years old and above."

Who cannot use a beclometasone inhaler?

NHS guidance explains that some people should be cautious about using these inhalers. The guidance says: "Beclometasone inhalers are not suitable for some people. To make sure they're safe for you, tell your doctor or nurse if you:

• Have ever had an allergic reaction to beclometasone or any other medicine


• Cannot have alcohol for any reason (some brands contain a very small amount of alcohol)


• Have ever had TB (tuberculosis)


• Are pregnant or trying to get pregnant."

It's also worth noting that beclometasone cannot relieve your symptoms on its own should you experience them. It cannot treat an asthma attack if you are experiencing coughing, breathlessness or wheezing.

However, some beclometasone inhalers also contain formoterol, which may be used as both a preventer and a reliever for asthma. Some brand names for these inhalers include Fostair, Luforbec and Bibecfo. Some inhalers have beclometasone mixed with other medicines that help your breathing.

When should you use your beclometasone inhaler?

The guidance explains that these inhalers do not work straight away so you need to use them every day for them to work, even if you don't have symptoms.

There is one step you must take over using the inhaler. The advice states: "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 be given a blue steroid treatment card if you need high doses of beclometasone to control your symptoms. You may also be required to carry a steroid emergency card - you can ask your pharmacist or doctor about these cards.

You will usually also be given another inhaler, known as a reliever, to help ease your symptoms when they occur.

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