What treatment is available for Asthma? 

As well as knowing your triggers, there are a number of diff­erent medicines available to keep asthma symptoms under control and treat them when they occur. Inhalers are the most common treatment for asthma. There are two main types of inhalers. Reliever inhalers (usually a blue inhaler) are used when symptoms occur. Preventer inhalers (sometimes called a controller inhaler) are used daily to prevent symptoms of asthma occurring. Inhalers have the benefit of getting to work quickly and delivering medication directly to where it is needed.

There are lots of di­fferent types of inhalers and your pharmacist is available to help you understand how to take your inhalers correctly. In some cases your doctor may prescribe oral medication (tablets/capsules) to help control symptoms of asthma if they are not well controlled or to treat a flare-up of symptoms.

How can your AllCare pharmacy team help?

Following a diagnosis of asthma by a doctor, there are a number of ways in which our pharmacy team can help people to manage the condition and get the most from their medication.

We can take your peak fl­ow reading to give an indication of your lung function and tell how well your asthma is controlled.

Your pharmacist is always available to speak with you in private about your medicines in our pharmacy consultation room. They can also review your inhaler technique to ensure you are using your inhalers correctly and getting the most benefit from them.

If you smoke, stopping smoking is one of the best changes that you can make in your journey towards better health, including managing your asthma. We have many tools in-store to help your cravings when you stop smoking such as nicotine replacement patches, gums, inhalers and lozenges. A member of our team will be happy to assist you in any queries you may have to help you stop smoking.

 

What can I do if, or someone in my company is having an asthma attack?

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the tightening of muscles around the airways. During an asthma attack, the lining of the airways also becomes swollen or named and thicker mucus is produced.

Symptoms of an asthma attack may include: difficulty breathing, coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty performing normal daily activities

You should follow Asthma Ireland’s 5 step rule for managing Asthma Attacks:

Step 1: Take two pu­ffs of the reliever inhaler – one puff­ at a time

Step 2: Sit up straight and try to remain calm

Step 3: Take slow, steady breaths

Step 4: If there is no improvement, take one pu­ff of the reliever inhaler every minute

Step 5: If symptoms do not improve after ten minutes or if you are worried call an ambulance on 999 or 112

If someone in your company is experiencing an asthma attack follow the above steps and remember:

  • Extra pu­ffs of the reliever inhaler are safe
  • Use a spacer device if they have one
  • Don’t lie the individual down or put your arm around them

To find out more about our Asthma Care Service, visit your local Allcare Pharmacy.