Asthma

In asthma the airways may not be as open as normal, therefore restricting breathing and the exchange of Oxygen/Carbon Dioxide. The airway constriction is reversible. It affects 5.2 million people in the UK.

The airways may be constricted or narrowed due to:

  • Allergy causing products eg house dust mite, cat fur or pollen etc.
  • Chemical irritants like smoke, household cleaners etc.
  • Low temperatures.
  • Chest infection/cold.
  • Exercise.

These lead to the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty in breathing or "shortness of breath", associated with a "tight" heavy feeling in the chest brought on by exercise, come on at night, or by exposure to allergens/irritants as above.
  • A wheeze can be heard.
  • A cough may be the main symptom in some children.

It frequently runs in families and is associated with hayfever and eczema - they are all a type of extreme reaction to external foreign stimuli (as above) by the immune system. Therefore there is some genetic cause and the gene can be triggered by exposure to stimuli or an infection.

Well controlled Asthma

If you asthma is well controlled , through regular use of your preventer (brown/red/orange) medicine, then you should:

  • have few or no symptoms during the day or night
  • Have little or no use for your reliever (blue) inhaler
  • be able to exercise without problems

You should also have an action plan - which by measuring your peak flow rate - determines what medicine/s you should take to improve your asthma or when you should be seeking further help from your GP or the hospital. With an action plan, by taking the correct steps early, severe asthma attacks can usually be prevented.

Green Light Pharmacy and Asthma

If you want to check your inhaler technique.

If you want to know more about your different medications and how they work.

Help with recognising symptoms, asthma triggers, preventing and managing asthma attacks.

If your symptoms are getting worse -

  • needing more reliever treatment
  • waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tight chest
  • having to take time off work or school
  • cannot keep up with your normal level of activity or exercise

then arrange for a Medicines Use Review - or if the symptoms are bad arrange for a review with your GP.

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The information given here is of a general nature, for particular information talk to your pharmacist or doctor, especially if you have any other diseases, are taking other medicines, suffer other conditions or pregnant etc.