^{5 15}

If you've been prescribed a symptom controller it will act in a similar way to a reliever. Symptom controllers help to relax the tightened airway muscles that can cause asthma, but unlike a reliever, their effect is usually much longer. For immediate relief from asthma, or in an emergency situation, a reliever such as salbutamol or terbutaline is usually recommended.

Symptom controllers may be prescribed for people who are already on inhaled preventers but who may be:

• Experiencing symptoms
• Experiencing exercise induced asthma
• Experiencing night-time asthma

If directed, always take your symptom controller, even when you're starting to feel better.

Although you may start to feel better after using a symptom controller, you should not stop or reduce any preventer medication you may be taking without consulting your doctor.