Inhaler Technique
Scanlon’s Pharmacists can provide excellent support and advice on the correct technique of using your inhaler and managing your asthma medication.
Using an inhaler is the most common way of taking asthma medicines. Using an inhaler is very effective, because inhaling the medicine takes it straight into your lungs. Many people experience problems with their inhalers – a study by Scanlon’s Pharmacy showed that only 35% of people tested* use their inhaler correctly.
Just call into the store and the Pharmacist team will be happy to help you with your inhaler technique to ensure you are getting the optimum result from your medicine.
Asthma Treatments- The Basics
Although there is no cure for asthma, there are some excellent medicines available to help you to control your asthma so that is does not interfere with your daily life.
It is important that you take your asthma medicine properly and that your doctor, pharmacist or asthma nurse has explained how to use inhalers properly so that every dose you take gives you the most benefit.
Reliever Inhalers
Everyone with asthma should have a reliever inhaler. Reliever inhalers are usually blue. Brand names you may be familiar with are Ventolin® and Salamol®.
Relievers are taken immediately to relieve asthma symptoms. They quickly relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways, allowing the airways to open wider, making it easier to breathe again.
Relievers are essential in treating asthma attacks. You should take a dose of reliever inhaler when you are having asthma symptoms. If you are using your reliever inhaler three or more times a week, your asthma may not be well controlled and you should go back to your doctor or asthma nurse and have your symptoms reviewed.
Preventer Inhalers
Preventers control the swelling and inflammation in the airways, stopping them from being so sensitive to trigger factors and reducing the risk of severe attacks. Not all asthmatics will be prescribed preventer medication.
The protective effect builds up over a period of time so they need to be taken every day (usually morning and evening) even when you are feeling well.
Preventers do not give immediate or quick relief when you are breathless but instead they reduce long-term inflammation. Preventer inhalers usually contain a low dose of steroid medicine.
There are several kinds of preventers, but they all work in the same way. You will be started on an appropriate level of treatment to get your symptoms under control; once this has been achieved the treatment will be reduced to the lowest possible dose.
