Your Cart is Empty
At Phelans, we understand that living with asthma can be difficult and we are here to support you and ensure you can maximise the benefits of your medications.
We offer this service for adults and children to help you better understand and manage your symptoms.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a condition that affects your airways – the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. In asthma, these airways become over-sensitive and react to things that don’t usually cause a problem, like cold air, dust or pollen. The airways react by becoming more narrow allowing less air to pass in or out. The airways can become swollen and mucus can build up making it harder to breathe.
How do inhalers help?
Inhalers are an effective treatment for the relief and prevention of the symptoms of asthma.
Tightening of the airways can happen quickly and thankfully, reliever inhalers (usually blue) may be used to provide fast and effective relief.
The swelling of the airways and mucus build up can happen more slowly and requires a different treatment with a preventer inhaler. A preventer inhaler is not necessary for everyone with asthma. If it is prescribed, it is important to use the preventer inhaler daily, even when asthma symptoms are not present. Preventer inhalers do not give immediate relief when you are breathless, but they are important to reduce the build up of inflammation over time.
How can our pharmacists help?
Our pharmacists are here to help you with support and advice to help you get the most from your asthma medications. We can check that you are using your inhaler properly and help you to avoid the common mistakes that can lead to a poor inhaler technique
Some inhalers can be hard to use. Even if you think your inhaler technique is okay, it might not be. A survey of asthmatics in the UK found that up to a third of people aren’t using their inhaler in the right way.
Whether you are using a reliever or a preventer inhaler, the right inhaler technique will ensure the medicine goes straight to your lungs, where it is needed. A good inhaler technique will give you the best chance of managing your symptoms and you will be less likely to get side effects, like a sore mouth or a sore throat.
Having an asthma review at least once a year, gives you a chance to talk through any symptoms or new triggers. You can check you’re on the right medicine and that you’re using your inhaler in the right way to get the most benefits.
Where can I avail of the service and how much does it cost?
This service is available in all Phelans stores and is free of charge.