Asthma Management

Asthma is a disease of the airways. It is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucous. This may make breathing difficult and may cause coughing and wheezing. Asthma can range from being minor to being life-threatening. Asthma can usually be managed with reliever inhalers to treat symptoms and/or controller puffers to prevent symptoms.

Correct inhaler technique is extremely important in asthma management. Up to 90 per cent of people with asthma do not use their inhaler correctly. This means that many people might not be getting the most out of their medicines and their asthma may not be adequately controlled.
Our pharmacists can demonstrate to you (or your child) how to use your inhalers correctly and can recommend to you other products such as ‘spacers’ and ‘face masks’ which make inhalers more effective and easier to use.

When you come to our pharmacy to buy reliever inhalers such as Ventolin, the pharmacist might check how often you have been using your reliever and if you are on a preventer. This is so the pharmacist can assess whether you are managing your asthma well, or whether you may need to see your doctor. They may also check your inhaler technique.

Our pharmacist can advise you on the best times to use your medicine, as well as how to avoid potential side effects.
If you take regular medicine to control your asthma, it is important to let your pharmacist know if you are taking any other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, as some medicines can aggravate asthma and bring on an asthma attack.