What is asthma?
Asthma is a common respiratory condition that affects people of all ages, causing inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments. At Heald Green Pharmacy, we offer expert advice and a range of treatments to help control asthma and improve your quality of life.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma can be triggered by various factors, including:
–> Allergens – Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and mould can cause asthma symptoms.
–> Irritants – Exposure to smoke, strong smells, air pollution, or cold air can worsen symptoms.
–> Exercise – Physical activity can induce asthma symptoms in some individuals.
–> Infections – Colds, flu, and respiratory infections can trigger asthma attacks.
–> Stress and Emotions – Anxiety and strong emotions can lead to breathing difficulties.
Types of Asthma
Asthma can present in different forms, including:
–> Allergic Asthma – Triggered by allergens such as pollen or dust mites.
–> Non-Allergic Asthma – Brought on by factors such as stress, infections, or weather changes.
–> Exercise-Induced Asthma – Symptoms occur during or after physical activity.
–> Occupational Asthma – Caused by exposure to irritants in the workplace.
–> Severe Asthma – A more persistent and difficult-to-control form of asthma that requires specialist treatment.
Asthma Treatments Available
At Heald Green Pharmacy, we offer a range of treatments to help manage asthma effectively. These include:
Reliever Inhalers
–> Short-acting beta agonists (SABAs) (e.g., salbutamol) – Provide quick relief from symptoms by relaxing the airway muscles.
Preventer Inhalers
–> Inhaled corticosteroids (e.g., beclometasone, fluticasone) – Reduce airway inflammation and help prevent asthma attacks.
–> Combination inhalers – Contain both a steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator for better symptom control.
Long-Term Control Medications
–> Leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs) – Help reduce inflammation and prevent asthma symptoms.
–> Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs) – Used alongside corticosteroids to maintain open airways.
–> Theophylline – A bronchodilator that helps keep airways relaxed.
Lifestyle Tips for Managing Asthma
In addition to medication, the following steps can help keep asthma under control:
–> Take your medication as prescribed and use inhalers correctly.
–> Identify and avoid known triggers.
–> Maintain a clean environment to reduce allergens.
–> Exercise regularly but take precautions if exercise-induced asthma is a concern.
–> Quit smoking and avoid exposure to second-hand smoke.
–> Monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if they worsen.
Speak to Our Pharmacist
If you have asthma and need advice on managing your condition, contact Heald Green Pharmacy. Our pharmacists can guide you on proper inhaler techniques, recommend suitable treatments, and provide ongoing support for effective asthma management.
For more information on asthma treatments, visit the NHS website: NHS Asthma Treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take a look at the questions we get asked the most
We can provide treatment for a range of conditions, including weight management, travel health, minor infections, skin conditions, ear health, and more. Our pharmacist prescribers can issue prescriptions where appropriate, and we operate under Patient Group Directions (PGDs) for specific treatments.
Appointments must be booked via our online booking calendar. Simply select the service you need, choose a suitable time, and confirm your appointment.
Yes! We offer both online and in-store consultations. Our pharmacist prescribers can assess your condition and recommend treatments through a secure online consultation, saving you time and hassle.
Once your consultation is complete, you can either collect your medication in-store or have it delivered to your home for convenience.
If a payment is required, we can send you a secure payment link, allowing you to pay online quickly and easily before receiving your treatment. Or, you can pay in store.
A Pharmacist Prescriber is a qualified pharmacist who can assess medical conditions, prescribe treatments, and issue prescriptions without needing a GP appointment. This allows for faster access to treatment.
PGDs allow our pharmacists to provide certain prescription-only medicines without a GP prescription. This means you can receive treatment for common conditions like weight loss, travel vaccinations, minor infections, and more, directly from our pharmacy.
No, you don’t need a referral. Our pharmacists are qualified to assess, prescribe, and dispense medications for a variety of conditions, meaning you can receive treatment quickly without seeing a GP.
Most medications can be dispensed immediately after your consultation if collected in-store. If you choose delivery, we aim to dispatch your medication within 24–48 hours, depending on delivery.
