Asthma

Asthma – Overview

Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that affects the airways. It causes inflammation and narrowing of the airways, along with increased mucus production, which can make breathing difficult.

Asthma often begins in childhood, but it can develop at any age. In England alone, around 5.4 million people receive treatment for asthma—approximately one in 12 adults and one in 11 children.

For some people, asthma causes only occasional mild symptoms. For others, it can significantly affect daily life and, in severe cases, lead to potentially life-threatening asthma attacks.

Although asthma cannot be cured, symptoms can usually be well controlled with appropriate treatment. This includes breathing techniques and prescribed asthma medicines, such as preventer and combination inhalers.

Because asthma symptoms and severity can change over time, regular reviews with a doctor or asthma nurse are important to ensure treatment remains effective.

What Is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack occurs when symptoms suddenly or gradually worsen. Severe attacks can be life-threatening and may require urgent hospital treatment.

Symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing
• Little or no relief from a reliever inhaler
• A peak flow reading lower than normal

What to Do During an Asthma Attack

• Sit upright and try to remain calm
• Take one puff of your reliever inhaler every 30 seconds, up to 10 puffs
• If symptoms do not improve after 10 puffs, call an ambulance immediately
• If the ambulance has not arrived within 10 minutes and symptoms persist, repeat the inhaler steps
• After any asthma attack, you should see your GP or asthma nurse within 48 hours

Around one in six people experience another attack within two weeks, so follow-up care is essential.

Severe Asthma

While there is no single agreed definition, the World Health Organization classifies severe asthma into three groups:

1. Untreatable asthma
2. Difficult-to-treat asthma
3. Therapy-resistant asthma

Symptoms are similar to other types of asthma but are more intense, harder to control, and carry a higher risk of serious complications.

Complications of Poorly Controlled Asthma

Long-term uncontrolled asthma may lead to:

• Permanent airway damage
• Reduced lung function
• Poor sleep quality
• Pregnancy complications
• Severe or life-threatening asthma attacks
• Increased risk of chest infections

What Causes Asthma?

Asthma develops when the bronchi (small airways in the lungs) become inflamed in response to certain triggers. This causes airway narrowing, tightening of chest muscles, and increased mucus production.

The exact cause is unknown, but asthma is more common in people with a family history of the condition.

Common asthma triggers include:

• Exercise-induced asthma, especially in cold air
• Occupational triggers, such as dust, fumes, or pollution
• Allergens, including pollen, pet dander, and food allergies
• Medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Emotional factors, including stress or laughter
• Weather changes, particularly sudden changes in temperature or humidity

Symptoms of Asthma

Symptoms vary between individuals and may come and go.

Common symptoms include:

• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or discomfort
• Wheezing
• Night-time coughing or breathing difficulties
• Symptoms worsened by viral infections

Signs your asthma may be worsening:

• Symptoms occurring more frequently
• Increased reliance on a reliever inhaler
• Falling peak flow readings

How Asthma Is Diagnosed

A doctor will assess your symptoms and medical history and may perform a physical examination to rule out other conditions.

You may also undergo lung function tests, such as:

• Spirometry, which measures how much air you can breathe out and how quickly
• Peak flow testing, which measures how forcefully you can exhale

Low readings can indicate narrowed airways.

Asthma Classification

Asthma is commonly classified into four levels:

1. Mild intermittent – symptoms up to twice per week, night symptoms up to twice per month
2. Mild persistent – symptoms more than twice per week but not daily
3. Moderate persistent – daily symptoms and night symptoms more than once per week
4. Severe persistent – symptoms present most days and nights

Treating Asthma

There is no cure for asthma, but effective management focuses on prevention and long-term control.

Identifying and avoiding personal triggers is the first step. Regular monitoring and keeping medications up to date is equally important.

Most people will require a reliever inhaler for sudden symptoms and a preventer inhaler for long-term control.

Asthma Medications

Your doctor or asthma nurse will tailor treatment based on your age, symptoms, triggers, and response to previous treatment.

Preventer Inhalers

Preventer inhalers are taken daily to reduce airway inflammation and prevent attacks. They are usually brown, red, or orange and contain inhaled corticosteroids.

Common preventer medicines include:

• Budesonide
• Ciclesonide
• Beclomethasone
• Mometasone

Rinse your mouth after use to reduce the risk of oral fungal infections.

Reliever Inhalers

Reliever inhalers (usually blue) provide rapid symptom relief by relaxing airway muscles. They do not treat underlying inflammation.

Common reliever medicines include:

• Salbutamol
• Terbutaline

Side effects are usually mild.

Long-Acting Reliever Inhalers

If symptoms are not controlled with a preventer alone, a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) may be added. These work for up to 12 hours and are often combined with a corticosteroid in one inhaler.

Examples include:

• Formoterol
• Salmeterol

Oral Corticosteroids

In severe cases, specialist care may involve steroid tablets. These are usually a last resort due to potential long-term side effects.

Complementary Therapies

Natural approaches should never replace prescribed asthma medication but may be used alongside it.

These include:

• Breathing exercises
• Yoga and mindfulness
• Selected herbal therapies

Living With Asthma

Most people with asthma can live full, active lives with the right treatment.

Staying Active

Regular exercise can improve lung function and overall health. If cold air triggers symptoms, wearing a face covering may help warm inhaled air.

Asthma Treatment From Our Online Pharmacy

Although asthma cannot be cured, symptoms can usually be well managed with the right inhalers.

Reliever inhalers provide fast symptom relief, while preventer inhalers are taken daily to reduce flare-ups.

Our online pharmacy offers a range of asthma inhalers and treatments, following a simple online consultation.

Why Shop With Us?

We are committed to providing high-quality asthma treatments at competitive prices. Our experienced pharmacy team works to ensure safe, efficient, and reliable service.

Whether you need prescription asthma medicines or over-the-counter options, we offer fast delivery and professional support.

Take an Online Assessment

Our quick online assessment allows you to access asthma treatment from the comfort of your home. By answering a few health questions, our clinicians can ensure your treatment is appropriate and safe.

Your medication will then be delivered directly to your door.

Speak to a Pharmacist

If you have concerns about asthma or your treatment, our pharmacy team is available to offer expert advice and support.

We are here to help you manage your asthma safely and effectively through our registered online pharmacy.