Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition causing airway inflammation and narrowing, leading to breathing difficulties.

Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. Triggers can include allergens, infections, exercise, cold air, or smoke.

If you are struggling with these symptoms, and have not previously been diagnosed, please contact the GP, for any concerns you may have.

Your care

If you have asthma, we’ll contact you annually for a review to assess your condition and ensure proper care.

This may include reviewing your inhalers and changing them if deemed necessary.
For patients with stable, mild asthma, we offer a Telephone Review option.

This evidence-based approach is suitable for those who find it difficult to attend in-person appointments, whilst also ensuring any patient can still receive appropriate treatment.

During the telephone review, you’ll complete a questionnaire to help your GP evaluate the extent that your asthma is bothering you and provide appropriate management.

Proper asthma management involves regular monitoring, medication adjustments if needed, and identifying and avoiding triggers.

Inhalers

Many patients use medical inhalers to try and help their condition, there are many different types which include:

Reliever inhalers (usually blue)

Reliever inhalers, also known as rescue inhalers, provide quick relief from asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and coughing.

They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways, allowing air to flow more freely.

These inhalers should be used as needed when symptoms occur, and their effects typically last for several hours.

Preventer inhalers (usually brown, red, or orange)

Preventer inhalers, also known as controller inhalers, contain corticosteroids or other long-acting medications that help reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways.

They work by preventing asthma symptoms from occurring in the first place. These inhalers are typically taken daily, even when you are not experiencing symptoms.

Combination inhalers

For some individuals, a combination of reliever and preventer medications may be necessary to effectively manage asthma symptoms.

Combination inhalers contain both a long-acting bronchodilator (to open the airways) and a corticosteroid (to reduce inflammation).

These inhalers are typically taken daily and can provide both long-term control and quick relief when needed.

Our goal is to help you effectively control your condition and to help maintain a good quality of life.

For any extra information, please contact the GP or visit Asthma – Treatment – NHS