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What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term condition which means you can't always breathe normally. Although the severity of symptoms varies from person to person, asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time. 1 in every 12 UK adults is currently receiving treatment for asthma, mainly through the use of asthma inhalers.

Anytime Doctor's asthma service does not replace your GP. Regular asthma clinic check-ups with a doctor or nurse are required every year, or sometimes more frequently. Our online doctor can only prescribe on average one inhaler per month and patients are required to provide their GP details. Anytime Doctor will write to your GP to let them know we have supplied you with treatment.

All services provided by Anytime Doctor are safe, fast and confidential. You can obtain treatment within the privacy of your home and without the inconvenience of waiting for an appointment.

What are the symptoms of asthma?

The symptoms of asthma include:

• feeling breathless (you may gasp for breath)
• a tight chest, like a band tightening around it
• wheezing, which makes a whistling sound when you breathe
• coughing, particularly at night and early morning
• attacks triggered by exercise, exposure to allergens and other triggers

You may have one or more of these symptoms. Symptoms that are worse during the night or with exercise can mean that your asthma is getting worse.

What are the causes of asthma?

There is no single cause of asthma, but certain factors may increase the likelihood of developing it. These include genetic factors and the environment.

Genes play a key role here as many people who develop asthma have a parent who also suffers from the condition. It is believed that even though you may be predisposed to asthma, it will only manifest itself if exposed to an asthma trigger.

What can trigger asthma?

A trigger is anything that irritates the airways and brings on the symptoms of asthma. These differ from person to person and people with asthma may have several triggers. Common triggers include house dust mites, animal fur, pollen, tobacco smoke, exercise, cold air and chest infections. When you come into contact with a trigger, asthma causes the tubes inside your lungs to narrow, preventing air from moving in and out of your lungs as it should do. Narrowing air passages cause sufferers to wheeze and cough as they gasp for breath.

What is a Reliever Inhaler?

Reliever inhalers (quick relief inhalers) are taken to relieve asthma symptoms quickly. The inhaler usually contains a medicine called a short-acting beta2-agonist and is normally used when you feel the symptoms of asthma coming on. It works by relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways. This allows the airways to open wider, making it easier to breathe again.

Examples of reliever medicines include salbutamol and terbutaline. They are generally safe medicines with few side effects, unless they are overused.

What is a Preventer Inhaler?

Preventer inhalers work over time to reduce the amount of inflammation and 'twitchiness' in the airways to prevent asthma attacks occurring. They are designed to be part of a daily management system for the symptoms of asthma. You should use your preventer inhaler as instructed by your doctor in order to limit the risk of an asthma attack coming on. The daily dosing regime should be followed even if you feel fine. You may still occasionally need the reliever inhaler (usually blue) to relieve symptoms.

The preventer inhaler usually contains a medicine called an inhaled corticosteroid. It is intended to help desensitise your airways to the triggers which cause inflammation and swelling. Examples of preventer medicines include beclometasone, budesonide, fluticasone and mometasone. Preventer inhalers are often brown, red or orange.