Modern treatment is effective at treating and preventing the symptoms of asthma.
Having an annual review with the nurse or doctor is the best way to ensure that you are getting the best and most up-to-date treatment.
The aim of treatment is to prevent symptoms so that you hardly ever need to use ‘reliever’ medication. This can be by avoiding triggers that you know make it worse, not smoking, and if necessary by taking preventative medication which is safe and effective.
- Relievers
these inhalers (usually blue) directly relax airway muscle, opening up airways and making it easier to breathe. - Preventers
these medicines act to reduce the inflammation and mucous in the airways, and help to reduce airway muscle contraction. These are usually inhalers too, although sometimes various tablets are also used. - Flu Vaccination
each year a vaccine is developed to protect you from the current most virulent strains of influenza virus. It is available from GP surgeries in the autumn and is well worth having if you have asthma that requires regular prevention treatment, (or certain other chronic conditions, or are over 65).
Where to find out more
If you think you may have asthma and want to find out more then you can make an appointment to see one of the nurses or doctors at the Health Centre.