Red asthma inhaler, also known as rescue inhalers or reliever inhalers, typically contain a medication called albuterol (salbutamol). Albuterol is a type of bronchodilator, which means it works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing them to widen and making it easier to breathe.
When someone with asthma experiences symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, it's often due to the airways becoming narrowed or constricted. This constriction can be caused by factors such as inflammation or muscle tightness. Red inhalers provide quick relief by rapidly opening up the airways, which helps alleviate these symptoms.