Tag Archives: Inhalers
Combination inhalers
Steroid inhalers are useful in more severe COPD or if you experience frequent flare ups/exacerbations. They can help to prevent flare ups of your COPD and need to be taken regularly, as they do not have their effect straight away. If a steroid and a long acting bronchodilator are needed regularly, it is easier to […]
Relievers – long acting (LABA)
These Long Acting Beta Agonist (LABA) relievers work in a similar way to the short acting bronchodilators but as the name suggest, their effect lasts for longer, between 12 – 24 hours. depending on drug. Please note: These are the most commonly used inhalers at the time of publication of this website. If you do […]
Relievers – long acting (LAMA)
Long acting relievers work in a similar way to the short acting anti-muscarinics but as the name suggest, their effect lasts for longer, 12-24 hours, depending on drug. If you are taking one of these long acting anti-muscarinics, then you should no longer be taking a short acting anti-muscarinic (ipratropium). Please note: These are the […]
Relievers – short acting
Relievers (or bronchodilators) are inhaled medicines which help by opening up the airways. Salbutamol and terbutaline help relax the muscles in the airways. They work fairly quickly, within about 15 minutes and last for 4 to 6 hours. Ipratropium gives relief in COPD and usually works within 30 to 60 minutes. It lasts for 3-6 […]
What to say to children
The key messages are: Get your child to tell you when they are feeling unwell and know the signs to look for. Tell them that if they take inhalers as soon as they feel unwell the asthma attack will most likely go away. Young children can’t always tell you how they feel so you need […]
Knowing when to get emergency help
If you have given 10 puffs of their reliever inhaler and they are still no better your child will need emergency help. Call 999. Any of these symptoms are an emergency: Distressed. Gasping for breath. Neck and tummy sucking in when breathing. Unable to eat or drink. Finding it hard to speak. Looking pale or […]
Before doing your Airway Clearance Techniques
Drink and tissues. Be prepared with a drink, and something to cough into such as a tissue or pot, before you start. Inhalation therapy. If you take bronchodilator inhalers or nebulisers such as Salbutamol, use these prior to performing your Airway Clearance Technique. This will open up your airways and make it easier to move […]
After your baby has arrived
Being a new mum is a hectic time for anyone. Your body needs time to recover. Keep your asthma in control for you and your new baby. If your asthma symptoms have been better than usual during your pregnancy, you may find your asthma starts to return to the way it was before your pregnancy. […]
If you have severe asthma during pregnancy
You, your asthma team and your midwifery team should work together to help you during your pregnancy. You may need additional check ups such as lung function tests, spirometry or peak flow tests. You may also be offered additional checks for your baby such as ultrasound scans and checks for your baby’s movements and position. […]
