Asthma

Name: Asthma
SKU: 81
Price: 35.00 GBP
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Asthma poorly managed? Let us help you

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long term illness that affects the airways and makes breathing difficult. Although the specific cause of is unknown, triggers can vary from person to person. The disorder causes inflammation of the tubes in your lungs. When exposed to a trigger, the tubes become extremely sensitive, and the airways shrink and mucus production increases. Asthma can be inherited. If you were born preterm, had a low birth weight, or your mother smoked during pregnancy, you may be at a higher risk of getting the illness. Adults can develop the condition as well, especially if they are exposed to potential triggers at work.

While most people with asthma can control their symptoms, they can occasionally worsen. This is frequently referred to as an “asthma attack.” The frequency with which you have symptoms depends on the severity of your asthma; some people with asthma have them once in a while, while others have them on a daily basis.

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What are the causes of Asthma?

Asthma is thought to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The exact cause can vary from person to person, but common triggers include:

Allergens: Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, and other allergens can trigger asthma symptoms.

Air Pollutants: Smoke, strong odors, fumes, and air pollution can exacerbate asthma.

Respiratory Infections: Colds, flu, or other respiratory infections can trigger or worsen asthma.

Physical Activity: Exercise-induced asthma is triggered by physical exertion, especially in cold or dry conditions.

Weather Conditions: Cold air, changes in weather, or high humidity can trigger asthma symptoms.

Stress and Emotions: Strong emotions, such as stress or anxiety, can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

Medications: Certain medications, including beta-blockers, aspirin, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can trigger asthma in some individuals.

Food Additives: Preservatives like sulfites found in foods and drinks can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

What are the symptoms of Asthma?

The following are typical signs and symptoms:

Wheezing – listen for whistling sounds when you exhale

Tight chest – which can feel crushing, achy, or you may have stabbing pains

Cough – which may be worse first thing in the morning or last thing at night

Breathlessness – which can make breathing seem like a fight.

Is there treatment available for Asthma?

There is no cure for asthma, although there are therapies available to manage symptoms. Medication, generally administered by an inhalers. Anti-inflammatory medicines, beta agonists, and leukotriene receptor modifiers, as well as a combination of treatments, are among them. It’s also critical to understand and prevent triggers. The medications available are as follows:

Quick-Relief (Rescue) Inhalers: Medications like short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., salbutamol) are used to quickly open airways during an asthma attack.

Long-Term Control Medications: These are taken daily to control chronic symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

Inhaled Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in the airways (e.g., fluticasone, budesonide, beclomethasone).
Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs): Used in combination with inhaled corticosteroids to keep airways open (e.g., salmeterol, formoterol).
Leukotriene Modifiers: Oral medications that help control asthma by reducing the effects of leukotrienes, chemicals in the immune system (e.g., montelukast).
Theophylline: A daily pill that helps keep the airways open by relaxing the muscles around them.
Biologic Therapies: For severe asthma that doesn’t respond to other treatments, normally injections.

Our clinicians can prescribe the salbutamol (blue) inhaler if you have run out. If you feel your asthma is not well controlled i.e. you are using your salbutamol inhaler more than three times weekly and your symptoms are worsening, the clinicians can change your treatment and develop an action plan to help manage your asthma and prescribe inhalers accordingly.

We recommend you choose a telephone consultation if you just require your inhaler or a video consultation for general asthma management.

You should seek Urgent medical attention or call 999 if you think you’re having an asthma attack:

Severe shortness of breath or wheezing, especially if it doesn’t improve with a rescue inhaler.

Difficulty speaking due to shortness of breath.

Lips or face turning blue (cyanosis).

Rapid worsening of symptoms.

If you would like more information, please follow the NHS link: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

How can you prevent Asthma?

The following are typical ways to prevent Asthma from worsening or attacks?

Avoid Triggers: Identifying and avoiding triggers is crucial in managing asthma. This may include avoiding allergens, smoke, strong odors, and cold air.

Asthma Action Plan: Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized asthma action plan that outlines what to do during an asthma attack and how to manage daily symptoms.

Regular Monitoring: Use a peak flow meter to monitor your lung function regularly, and keep track of symptoms.

Exercise: Regular exercise can strengthen the lungs, but it’s important to manage exercise-induced symptoms with pre-exercise medication if needed.

Healthy Diet: A balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying hydrated can contribute to overall health and reduce asthma symptoms.

Smoking Cessation: If you smoke, quitting is one of the most important steps you can take to improve your asthma symptoms and overall lung health.