Asthma medicines Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2009.
Answers to questions about asthma medicines
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What should I do if I forget my asthma inhaler when I'm away from home?
- What is a nebuliser? Do I need one for my asthma?
- Are there any complementary therapies I can try to control my asthma?
What should I do if I forget my asthma inhaler when I'm away from home?
Forgetting or losing your asthma inhaler when you are away from home can be extremely dangerous. If this happens, there are several places you can contact to arrange asthma treatment.
Explanation
If you have asthma, it's important that you take all your asthma medicines with you when you are away from home. If you lose or forget them, there are several places you can contact to get emergency treatment and prescriptions, including:
- GP surgery
- out-of-hours service
- walk-in-centre/urgent care centre
- hospital emergency department
- ambulance service
You can also buy emergency asthma inhalers from a pharmacy. You will be asked to leave your name, address and your GP's details with the pharmacist so that they can get a prescription later.
It's useful to keep spare inhalers in your car or at work in case you forget your asthma medicine. If you have a child with asthma, you should give spare asthma inhalers to his or her school or carers. Remember to check the expiry dates on your spare inhalers regularly to make sure they don't go out of date.
If you have any questions or concerns about your asthma medicine, talk to your GP.
Further information
- Asthma UK
08457 01 02 03
www.asthma.org.uk
Sources
- Emergency asthma care. Asthma UK. www.asthma.org.uk, accessed 13 May 2009
What is a nebuliser? Do I need one for my asthma?
A nebuliser is a machine that makes a fine mist of medicine that you breathe in through a mask or mouthpiece. Most people with asthma don't need to use a nebuliser - an inhaler or spacer is just as effective.
Explanation
Nebulisers are usually only used in emergency situations when someone is having an acute asthma attack - they are most often used in GP surgeries or accident and emergency departments. They can deliver high doses of reliever medicine quickly through a mouthpiece or mask. People who suffer from severe asthma or have attacks that come on very quickly may need to have a nebuliser at home. Also, very young children (under the age of six) may need a nebuliser if they are having difficulty using a spacer. You should ask your doctor if you think a home nebuliser would be useful. If your doctor agrees, it's very important that you learn how to use it properly (your GP or asthma nurse will teach you how) and make sure it's in good working order at all times. Very few people do actually need home nebulisers. Most people with asthma will only ever need an inhaler or spacer to deliver their asthma medicine. These methods are just as effective and much more convenient than using a nebuliser. If you have any questions or concerns about nebulisers or asthma, talk to your doctor.
Further information
- Asthma UK
08457 01 02 03
www.asthma.org.uk
Sources
- Emergency asthma care. Asthma UK. www.asthma.org.uk, accessed 13 May 2009
- Nebulisers and asthma. Asthma UK. www.asthma.org.uk, accessed 13 May 2009
Are there any complementary therapies I can try to control my asthma?
There is little or no evidence to say that complementary therapies help control symptoms of asthma. The only therapy that has been found to be of any benefit is the Buteyko breathing technique.
Explanation
Research into complementary therapies such as herbal and traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, homoeopathy, hypnosis, manual therapy, dietary supplementation and many others, has found no evidence to show that they are helpful in controlling asthma symptoms. If you have asthma, you shouldn't rely solely on complementary therapies - they should only be used in addition to the asthma medicines prescribed by your GP.
There may be risks associated with using certain complementary medicines. These can include potentially harmful interactions with your prescribed asthma medicines, incorrect dosing and a build-up of chemicals in your body.
The only complementary therapy that has been shown to have any effect in controlling asthma symptoms is the Buteyko breathing technique. This is a breathing technique that focuses on controlling hyperventilation (when you start breathing abnormally fast or deeply). Talk to your GP if you have any question or concerns about asthma or complementary therapies.
Further information
- Buteyko Breathing Association
www.buteykobreathing.org - Asthma UK
08457 01 02 03
www.asthma.org.uk
Sources
- British guideline on the management of asthma. Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), 2008. www.sign.ac.uk
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: September 2009
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