Stay active, manage asthma

Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the airways. The symptoms of asthma include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest.

The severity of asthma varies from person to person and while there is no cure, there are effective treatments available to reduce symptoms and manage the condition.

The causes of asthma are still being explored. However, some factors that play an important role in the development of asthma include:

Family history

Children with a parent that has asthma are 3-6 times more likely to develop the condition than someone who does not have a parent with asthma.

Allergies

Certain conditions, such as eczema or hay fever, are linked to people who get asthma.

Viral respiratory infections

Some children who had viral respiratory illnesses and infections as a child go on to develop chronic asthma.

Occupational exposures

If you have asthma, being exposed to certain elements in the workplace can cause symptoms. For some people, exposure to industrial or wood dusts, chemical fumes, and molds can cause asthma to develop.

Smoking

Smokers have a high risk of asthma. Children with mothers who smoked during pregnancy or those exposed to secondhand smoke are also more likely to have asthma.

Air pollution

People who grew up or currently live in urban areas have a higher risk for asthma.

Obesity

People who are overweight or obese are at a greater risk of asthma. This may be due to low-grade inflammation in the body that occurs with extra weight.

To diagnose asthma, a doctor will ask you about your symptoms, medical history, and conduct a physical exam. Your doctor may ask if you have any other family members with asthma, allergies, if you smoke or are exposed to secondhand smoke or pollutants in your workplace.

Your doctor may also perform a breathing test to check your lung function, a common test is known as spirometry.

The most effective treatment for asthma is inhalers. This can be a ‘preventer’, ‘reliever', or a combination inhaler.

Preventer inhalers

These inhalers should be used daily for the long-term management of asthma. Preventers usually contain a corticosteroid, which is an anti-inflammatory agent that reduces the inflammation in your lungs.

Reliever inhalers

These inhalers are used when you need quick relief of astma attacks. Relievers relax the airway muscles and make it easier to breathe by increasing airflow. Many patients diagnosed with asthma are prescribed a reliever to use when they come into contact with irritants.

If you find you are using your reliever regularly, you should contact your doctor. This could mean that your asthma is not well-controlled.

Popular relievers include Ventolin, Albuterol, ProAir, and Proventil. These are all available for purchase at SpeedyHealth.

Tablets

Some patients may also be prescibed tablets for asthma, for example Singulair (or Montelukast). This contains the active ingredient montelukast, and is a leukotriene receptor antagonist. In asthma, leukotrienes are molecules that cause swelling of the airways and tightening of airway muscles, making it harder to breathe. Singulair blocks the effects of leukotrienes and relieves asthma symptoms.

There are some lifestyle changes you can make to prevent asthma attacks, for example:

• Regularly clean your home to minimize common asthma triggers such as dust, mold, pet dander and other allergens.
• Use air purifiers and change your air filters frequently.
• Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke.
• Stick to your prescribed asthma medications, including preventer and rescue inhalers.
• Schedule regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition.
• Follow your asthma action plan that outlines the steps you need to take during a flare-up.

Yes, you can buy preventer and reliever asthma treatments online at SpeedyHealth.

You will first need to complete a short, online consultation. This allows our doctors to check your symptoms, medical history and decide on the correct treatment.

If approved, you will receive your treatment with free delivery and discreet packaging.