The simple answer is, NO.

Inhalers cannot cure asthma; they can only put it under control or alleviate the effects. Asthma is a chronic disease which causes inflammation of the respiratory passages, or ‘airways’, in the lungs. When an asthma attack occurs the lining of the passages swell up. This leads to narrowing of the airways and prevents the passage of air. This makes it difficult for the asthma patient to breathe, and causes the coughing and wheezing.

Asthma symptoms can get better with treatment, to the point where they hardly ever manifest, and asthma patients can lead a very normal and comfortable lifestyle. A large percentage of the children diagnosed with asthma outgrow it by the time they are adults and do not need to continue the treatment.

Patients who don’t use any kind of medication to control their asthma do get worse over time. Their asthma gets more severe and their symptoms manifest more often. They also suffer permanent damage of the lungs, which can lead to other respiratory diseases.

So while it is true that there is no true cure for asthma, the treatments are very effective and by following the doctors’ advice and using inhalers regularly, patients can live very active and fulfilled lives, no different from most people without asthma.