Frank's Advice on Asthma
Wednesday, 03 March 2010 15:08
Asthma is a condition which affects the smaller airways in the lung causing them to narrow and produce mucous. Symptoms vary due to the amount of narrowing and irritation, but the usual symptoms include caoughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest(Don't forget Asthma Awareness Week 1st to 9th May).
Inflammation of the airways is the usual cause for asthma, which usually comes on in the form of an attack.
Most asthmatics are symptom free but both environmental and internal factors can bring on an attack. These are called triggers and include infections, irritants such as pollen, chemicals and cigarette smoke,excercise, stress and emotion and allergies to animals and House Dust Mite.
To diagnose asthma, the doctor can conduct some simple tests, using both a spirometer which measures your breath and use of a peak flow meter at home to measure breathing over a period of time. Your Murrays Pharmacist can give you advice on this.
Treatments for Asthma usually involve the use of inhalers and the doctor prescibes three different types:
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Preventer: This is usually used twice a day regularly and is a mild steroid that reduces the inflammation in the small airways. It is best used with a device called a spacer so that the medication is distibuted evenly through the lungs (ask your Murrays Pharmacist)
- Reliever: This contains a mild drug which expands the small airways during an asthma attack. It is very safe but only fairly short acting.
- Long acting Reliever: This is used with the spacer device to expand the small airways over a longer period. This is usually only used if you are prone to severe asthma.
Your Murrays Pharmacist can advise you on the use of your inhalers especially with a spacer and can conduct a review of your inhalers and other medication.
This can be useful especially on a regular basis as use of inhalers is important in preventing asthma attacks.
There is more information from Asthma UK on 0800 121 62 55 or www.asthma.org.uk
