Are you prepared for an
asthma attack?
Make sure you have
the right treatment to hand.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that causes characteristic breathing difficulties, including wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. It is a very common condition that often develops in childhood, but it can affect a person of any age. People with this condition often experience asthma attacks in response to irritants in their environment. An estimated five and a half million people in the UK alone are treated for this condition.

Fortunately, asthma symptoms and attacks can be treated and controlled with a treatment such as a Ventolin inhaler, which is available to buy here at OnlineClinic.

Dr Hilary Jones
OnlineClinic Medical Advisor

"Asthmatic symptoms if left untreated could potentially prove harmful. For sufferers of the condition, it is essential to have the right inhaler treatment to hand."

On this page: What is an asthma attack?; What causes this condition?; What can trigger asthma?; What are the most common asthma symptoms?; What treatments are available?

Treatment Options

Manufactured byVentolin: Ventolin is a type of inhaler known as a "reliever" inhaler. It can be used to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack. It contains the active ingredient microfine salbutamol and can be use in one of two forms: the Evohaler or the Accuhaler. Ventolin is able to relax the lung muscles and open the airways, which makes it easier for the air to flow into the lungs.; More information

Manufactured byClenil Modulite: Clenil Modulate is a preventer inhaler that is used to prevent symptoms of asthma that are mild to severe. It contains beclometasone dipropionate and is a type of corticosteroid. Corticosteroids like Clenil Modulate have anti-inflammatory properties and are able to reduce irritation and swelling in the respiratory area.; More information

Manufactured byFlixotide: Flixotide is a form of preventer inhaler that is available on prescription. It can reduce inflammation and irritation in the respiratory system to reduce symptoms and help prevent asthma attacks. It contains fluticasone propionate and is a type of corticosteroid. Flixotide is available as either an Evohaler or an Accuhaler.; More information

Manufactured byPulmicort: Pulmicort is a type of Turbohaler that is used as a preventative treatment for asthma. It can prevent and reduce symptoms of asthma but is not designed to provide immediate relief in the event of an asthma attack. It is a corticosteroid that uses budesonide to reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs.; More information

Manufactured byQvar: Qvar is a preventer inhaler that is available in three forms: Autohaler, Aerosol and Easi-Breathe. It is a corticosteroid that contains beclometasone diproprionate and works to reduce the risk of asthma attacks. The choice of formations of this treatment is beneficial for patients who may have experienced difficulty with certain inhalers in the past.; More information

Manufactured bySeretide: Seretide is a type of preventer inhaler that can help to prevent asthma attacks and alleviate the symptoms of this respiratory condition. It is available as either an Accuhaler or an Evohaler. Seretide contains salmeterol and fluticasone as its two active ingredients, which work to improve air flow and reduce inflammation.; More information

Manufactured bySymbicort: Symbicort is a type of asthma inhaler that is designed to be used as a preventative treatment for this respiratory condition. It is available as a Turbohaler, which means the medication is released through inhalation alone. It contains budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate.; More information

Manufactured byAtrovent: Atrovent is a preventative treatment for asthma that is available in the form of an inhaler. It can help to prevent asthma attacks and can also treat COPD. It contains ipratropium bromide as its active ingredient and helps to relax the airways to make breathing easier and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.; More information

What is an asthma attack?

An asthma attack occurs when the common asthma symptoms are suddenly worsened, making it extremely difficult to breathe. The muscles of the airway tighten and the lining becomes inflamed or swollen and a thick mucus is produced. Attacks can be both mild and more severe, and it is important to recognise the symptoms so you can prevent and treat attacks if they do occur. Common symptoms of these attacks relate to difficulty breathing, and can include wheezing, shortness of breath and coughing. Other symptoms can also include chest pain and neck or chest retractions. These attacks can be triggered by irritants such as pollen or by over-exertion.

What causes this condition?

A specific cause of this condition has not yet been identified, but there are genetic and environmental factors which have been recognised as increasing some people's likelihood of developing it. Those who were born prematurely and/or had a low birth weight are considered to be of a higher risk. Other factors include the exposure to tobacco smoke or having had bronchiolitis in childhood. It is also thought that many people with the condition were predisposed to it from birth. Another theory is that an underexposure to irritants during childhood can increase the likelihood of intolerance and allergies in later life.

What can trigger asthma?

This condition can affect people in different ways, and what is a trigger for one individual will not necessarily provoke the same reaction in someone else. Common triggers include chest or airway infections; allergens such as dust mites and pollen; irritants such as cigarette smoke and pollution; weather changes; exercise; times of high emotion such as stress; certain medications and foods that contain sulphites.

What are the most common asthma symptoms?

Asthma symptoms tend to be very distinctive and can be triggered by a number of factors discussed above. They tend to involve feelings of breathlessness accompanied by a tight feeling in the chest, coughing and wheezing. Asthma symptoms such as these can occur separately or in combination in the form of an asthma attack. Severe asthma attacks can be extremely serious and will require urgent medical treatment. You may experience additional symptoms during a severe attack such as a racing pulse and increased feelings of anxiety. You may also notice that your fingernails or lips appear blue in colour. These asthma symptoms can develop quickly or take several hours. If your asthma symptoms get significantly worse and your usual inhaler is not relieving the problems, you should contact a medical professional.

What treatments are available?

If you are diagnosed with this condition, it is likely that you will work with your doctor to create a kind of action plan in relation to your treatment. This is to ensure the course of treatment you take will be most effective for you and your experience of the condition. The treatments that are available mean it is entirely possible to have asthma and lead an unrestricted life.

In most cases, treatment involves the use of inhalers, which can either be classed as preventers or relievers. Preventer inhalers are usually intended for daily use in order to alleviate swelling, sensitivity and mucus in the airways that is caused by exposure to irritants. Reliever inhalers, of which Ventolin is one, work to open and relax the airways when an attack takes place. These two inhalers can sometimes be used in conjunction with each other during an attack. In some cases, it may be necessary for a doctor to recommend injections or steroid tablets.

It is advisable for those suffering from asthma to try to identify particular triggers that may exacerbate the condition and take steps to avoid them, as far as is possible.