Asthma is a medical disorder that affects the breathing tubes that carry air into the lungs. People with asthma experience times when it is difficult to breathe because their airways have tightened, thickened and/or filled up with mucous. At other times, their breathing can be normal. There is no cure for asthma, although it can be well controlled. Most people with asthma live active and healthy lives.
Asthma Symptoms
People with asthma often experience some or all of the following symptoms:
- Tightness in the chest
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing (a high-pitched sound in the chest when breathing).
Asthma Triggers
Asthma triggers can vary from person to person. The most common triggers are allergies to grass and pollen, exercise, cigarette smoke, and colds and flu.
How To Manage Asthma
Great asthma management usually needs three things: .
- Medication – taken the right way, at the right time
- Regular medical check-ups and self-care
- An asthma action plan, which outlines what to do when symptoms happen.
How Your Pharmacist Can Help
Your local pharmacist can help you to manage your asthma. After your doctor has prepared your asthma management plan, your pharmacist can provide general advice around symptom management and medication. They can also help you with information on asthma-related products such as inhaler spacers and peak flow meters.
For more information, talk to your pharmacist today!
