The guidleines for treating asthma in anyone 12 or over have changed. No longer should a short acting beta agonist (salbutamol/ventolin/blue inhaler) be prescribed alone but always in combination with an inhaled steroid. This is where MART comes in.
NICE guidelines state:
"Do not prescribe a SABA to people of any age with asthma without a concomitant prescription of an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS)."
Beta-2 agonists (SABAs and LABAs) | Prescribing information | Asthma | CKS | NICE
What is MART?
MART stands for Maintenance and Reliever Therapy. It is a way of managing asthma that uses one inhaler for both everyday control and quick relief when asthma symptoms flare up.
Instead of having two different inhalers — one to prevent symptoms and one to treat sudden asthma attacks — MART combines both treatments in a single inhaler.
Why Consider Switching to MART?
- Simpler Routine: You only need one inhaler for both regular maintenance and to relieve symptoms when they occur. This means fewer devices to carry and manage.
- Better Control: MART allows you to adjust your treatment according to your symptoms. If your asthma starts to flare up, you automatically take more doses to help reduce the attack.
- Reduced Risk of Severe Attacks: Studies show that MART can help lower the chance of severe asthma exacerbations by ensuring timely treatment.
- Improved Adherence: Using one inhaler makes it easier to remember your medication and use it properly.
How Does MART Work?
The MART inhaler contains a combination of:
- Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): These reduce inflammation in your airways over time.
- Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABA): These help keep your airways open for up to 12 hours.
When you feel symptoms, you use the same inhaler as a reliever, giving you a quick dose of medication to ease breathing.
Examples of MART Inhalers
The two most common MART inhalers that we prescribe:
- Symbicort® Budesonide (ICS) + Formoterol (LABA) Used daily plus extra doses for relief as needed
- Fostair® Beclometasone (ICS) + Formoterol (LABA) Maintenance and relief in one inhaler
There are some other brands that can be used as well as the common two abive.
How to Use Your MART Inhaler
- Take one or two puffs twice daily as maintenance (or as prescribed).
- If you experience asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing, or breathlessness, take additional puffs as needed to relieve symptoms.
- Do not exceed the maximum number of puffs - EIGHT in 24 hours
- Please click here for information on how to use your Fostair® NEXThaler
- Please click here for information on how to use your Symbicort® Turbohaler
Important Tips
- Always carry your MART inhaler with you.
- Contact us if your symptoms change or if you need more inhaler puffs than usual.
- Continue to respond to our annual invitation to monitor your asthma to make sure it is well controlled.
- Never stop using your inhaler without contacting us
When to Seek Medical Help
- If your asthma symptoms worsen suddenly or do not improve with extra puffs.
- If you experience side effects like a fast heartbeat, shaking, or severe breathlessness.
- If you feel your inhaler is not helping as much as before.
Summary
Switching to MART can simplify your asthma treatment and improve control by using one inhaler for both daily maintenance and quick relief.
If you have any questions or concerns about your asthma or inhaler, please contact us.