That's a question for your doctor, @A MyCOPDTeam Member.

In general, Symbicort is a "maintenance" treatment and is not used as a fast-acting rescue inhaler.

Atrovent is a bronchodialator, usually a "maintenance" treatment, to prevent brochospasms.

Albuterol is usually the "rescue" inhaler as it's used to ease exercise-induced breathing issues and bronchospasms.

Please be aware that you can build up a tolerance to medications when used more than prescribed, so it's important that your pulmonologist or respiratory therapist advises you on when to take your medication, as well as what medication to take.

Good luck.

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A MyCOPDT...

Symbicort and Atrovent are both maintenance meds; Atrovent last only 4-6 hours; albuterol is rescue. I'd take the Atrovent first, then Symbicort; use the albuterol only when necessary.

My pulmonologist has me on Spiriva and then Symbicort which has some steroid in it. I only take them every 12 hours. Then I have pro-air (Albuterol) as a rescue. On good days that routine works great. But on the hot humid days or when the allergy count is high, it gets a little rough.