I was diagnosed with asthma at the age of 3. Since then, it's been an interesting journey. I'm very lucky that I've never had to be hospitalised.
Inhalers for asthma:
An inhaler is a device to help get your asthma medication into your airways. If you are prescribed an inhaler, ensure your clinician shows you how to use it correctly.
There are two types of inhalers for asthma:
Reliever - these inhalers are used to relieve asthma symptoms such as an attack, coughing, wheezing or breathlessness.
Preventer - these are used regularly e.g. daily to prevent asthma symptoms.
My first inhaler was called Intal, and this was a preventer inhaler that I used on a daily basis. I was also prescribed Ventolin in liquid form to relieve any wheeziness symptoms e.g. during sports, cold weather etc. This was replaced with a Ventolin inhaler (reliever) later on.
As I got older, my symptoms were up and down, especially if I caught a cold or the flu.
I've seen my GP several times over the past few years, along with respiratory specialists to try and get the correct balance of medication.
My asthma is further complicated by hayfever too!
At the current time, I am using a Fostair inhaler and Montelukast tablets on a daily basis to help my asthma symptoms. Montelukast is similar to a preventer inhaler in that it helps prevent inflammation.
MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy)
I have been prescribed Fostair as it is a combined inhaler, used to both prevent/maintain and relieve symptoms. I use Fostair on a daily basis and increase the dose when I'm unwell.
Peak flow meter
A peak flow meter is used to measure how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. I was prescribed one to use at home by my GP. It really helps to note down your peak flow readings on a regular basis so that if you become ill, you will know what your normal reading is compared to when you're ill.
Asthma and Lung UK have a handy peak flow diary that you can download free here.
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