Anti-inflammatory reliever is the recommended starting treatment for asthma

This information sheet provides concise information for primary care health professionals, based on the National Asthma Council’s updated Australian Asthma Handbook.

Recommendations have changed for the initial treatment of asthma in patients aged 12 years and over:

The National Asthma Council's Australian Asthma Handbook now recommends against starting asthma treatment with as-needed salbutamol or terbutaline.

Budesonide-formoterol, taken as needed, is recommended in place of salbutamol or terbutaline.

All adults and adolescents with asthma should receive treatment that includes inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

The lowest acceptable level of treatment is now as-needed budesonide-formoterol.

This approach is called ‘anti-inflammatory reliever-only’ (AIR-only) therapy. It is suitable for patients who don’t need daily maintenance treatment.

What is AIR-only therapy?

The patient uses an inhaler containing both an ICS (budesonide) and a rapid-acting bronchodilator (formoterol) whenever they have asthma symptoms, without the need for daily maintenance treatment. It requires a prescription and is subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

View the information sheet by accessing the download button above.

Acknowledgements

Developed by the National Asthma Council Australia in collaboration with:

Clinical Associate Professor Debbie Rigby
Advanced practice pharmacist

Dr Kerry Hancock
General practitioner

Professor Christine Jenkins
Respiratory physician

Professor Nick Zwar
General practitioner

Disclaimer

Although all care has been taken, this information is a general guide only, which is not a substitute for assessment of appropriate courses of treatment on a case-by-case basis. The National Asthma Council Australia expressly disclaims all responsibility (including for negligence) for any loss, damage or personal injury resulting from reliance on the information contained herein. 

© National Asthma Council Australia 2026