Asthma Treatment

This service is suitable if you:

• ✅ Are 17 years or older
• ✅ Have been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor and are using inhaler treatment
• ✅ Have stable, well-controlled symptoms

Note: This service is designed for patients with well-controlled asthma and offers a maximum of 2 preventer inhalers every 6 months.

This service is not suitable if you:

• ❌ Are under 17 years of age
• ❌ Have not been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor
• ❌ Are pregnant
• ❌ Feel your symptoms are not well controlled
• ❌ Are unwell (e.g., shortness of breath, cough, wheeze, chest pain, high temperature)
• ❌ Suspect you are having an acute asthma attack or chest infection
• ❌ Need urgent access to inhalers (this is a next-business-day service)

If you feel unwell, experience shortness of breath, chest pain, or signs of an asthma attack, please seek urgent medical care—Call 999 if necessary.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition affecting the smaller airways of the lungs, making it difficult to breathe. It can affect both children and adults, and while there is no cure, effective treatments are available to manage symptoms.

• Symptoms of Asthma:
  • Cough
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness

Asthma symptoms can range from mild to severe, lasting from hours to days. Severe cases can be life-threatening, making consistent treatment essential.

he exact cause of asthma is unknown, but it is thought to result from an inflammatory response in the airways. Contributing factors may include:

• Pollution
• Genetics
• Environmental triggers and modern hygiene standards

Asthma symptoms are often triggered by factors that irritate the airways, causing an immune response:

• Airway Muscle Tightening: The muscles around the airways contract, narrowing them and restricting airflow.
• Mucus Production: Increased mucus production can block airways, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing.

To manage asthma effectively:

• Use your preventer inhaler every day, even when symptoms are controlled.
• Check your inhaler technique regularly.
• Have an asthma review with your doctor each year.
• Carry your reliever inhaler at all times.
• Review your asthma management plan for guidance if symptoms change.
• Stop smoking if you smoke.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Get the flu vaccination every year.

An asthma management plan provides clear steps to manage symptoms, adjust treatment, and know when to seek medical help. If you don’t have one, our Irish-registered online GPs can help create a plan tailored for you.

• Rescue/Reliever Inhalers: Used for immediate relief, typically containing bronchodilators to relax airway muscles. For well-controlled asthma, relievers should only be needed twice a week.
• Preventer Inhalers: Usually brown, red, or purple, containing steroids to reduce inflammation and prevent attacks.
• Combination Inhalers: Provide both reliever and preventer medication in one device, offering convenient dual action.

• Reliever Inhalers: Side effects like fast heartbeat or shaking may occur but typically subside within 20-30 minutes.
• Preventer Inhalers: May cause a sore mouth or hoarseness. Rinse your mouth after use to prevent irritation.
• Combination Inhalers: May cause side effects related to both reliever and preventer inhalers.

For complete information on side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your inhaler.

For more on asthma, we recommend visiting the Asthma Society of Ireland website. It offers excellent resources to help manage all aspects of this condition.