A red asthma inhaler is typically a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) containing a medication used to relieve asthma symptoms. It often contains a bronchodilator, such as salbutamol (albuterol in the U.S.), which helps to quickly relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe during an asthma attack or flare-up.
It is used to treat sudden asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. It can also be used before exercise to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.