What is a "relief", "quickrelief" or "rescue drug"?

What is a "relief", "quickrelief" or "rescue drug"?

William Berger (Allergist and Immunologist) gives expert video advice on: How is asthma treated?; How important is it to identify my asthma triggers?; What side effects should I expect from my asthma medication? and more...

Rescue medications are usually quick relief medications that are given in a metered dose. An inhaler, it can be given by injection, or they can also be given by nebulizer. These are what are referred to as bronchodilators. They dilate the airways. Very commonly these medications are called "albuterol" or by their brand name such as Proventil or Ventolin. There are also quick-relief medications that people can buy over-the-counter, but these contain epinephrine, which is really a dangerous drug. In fact, this is one of those situations where the prescription medication is actually safer than the over-the-counter medication. Patients very often make the mistake that if you could buy something over-the-counter, it must be safer than something you need a prescription. In this case, it is safer to take the prescription medication, but what's important is that if patients are using these quick-reliever medications more frequently than twice a week, then they need to talk to their doctor because it sounds like they may need to be on a controller medication that would then reduce their need for the rescue medication.