Caption

Aerosol inhaler for asthma. Young girl using an aerosol inhaler for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Inhalers contain broncho- dilator drugs (which widen airways) and/or steroid drugs (which reduces inflammation). Asthma is characterised by recurrent attacks of breathlessness which vary in severity. It may be accompanied by wheezing or a dry cough. In a severe attack, breathing becomes increasingly laboured, causing rapid heartbeat, sweating and anxiety. This illness often starts in childhood and tends to improve in early adulthood.