Asthma

Are you prepared for an asthma attack?

Make sure you have the right treatment to hand.

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, which means that most people who have it will have it for the rest of their lives. People who have asthma suffer from breathing difficulties, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, usually set off by specific triggers. This can start at any point during a person's life, although it's more inclined to start when a person is young, with one in 11 children having the condition.

Even though asthma is a lifetime condition, it's still highly treatable with medications such as Ventolin, to help prevent or deal with asthma symptoms. OnlineClinic provides you with a safe and convenient way to order Ventolin online, in case it's not convenient for you to visit your pharmacy or doctor.

What is asthma?

Asthma happens as a result of inflammation of the airways, in particularly the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. People with this condition will tend to have inflammation in these tubes also known as bronchi, making them more sensitive than they would be in people without the condition.

When something irritates the lungs, these airways can narrow and as the muscles around them tighten, phlegm is produced. This can lead to difficulty breathing and that signature tight feeling around the chest. A more severe onset of symptoms is known as an asthma attack.

Is asthma dangerous?

Asthma can be dangerous if it's not under control or if the right action isn't taken in the event of an asthma attack. Not all asthma symptoms will lead to an asthma attack, but it's important to be able to take the most appropriate measures when they are needed. This is why you should visit your doctor to ensure that your medication is reviewed routinely.

What are the symptoms of asthma and asthma attacks?

The most common symptoms of asthma include a feeling of breathlessness, tight chest, wheezing and/or coughing. This usually happens in response to a trigger such as exercise, dust or smoke. These symptoms may be likely to disappear after using treatment or after removal of the particular asthma trigger, however in extreme cases, these symptoms could worsen.

An asthma attack doesn't normally develop immediately but can happen progressively over the course of a day or two. You may start noticing that your symptoms of wheezing or difficulty breathing become worse and that your usual asthma relievers don't help. You may also start to feel that your pulse starts racing or that you become too breathless to speak.

What triggers asthma?

Anything that irritates the airways and results in asthma symptoms is known as an asthma trigger. Not everybody will have the same triggers, but they could include cold air, chest infections, pollen, cigarette smoke, dust mites, pet dander and even exercise.

Can asthma be treated?

Thanks to asthma treatment, most people with asthma can lead relatively unrestricted lives. When you are diagnosed with asthma, you'll normally be provided with an asthma plan, which will have details of all your asthma treatments and steps to take in the event of an attack.

Treatment for asthma can either help prevent asthma symptoms or can be taken to provide relief in the event that you experience symptoms. Mostly asthma treatments are inhaled, but there are also injections that can be used to help people who are prone to severe attacks.

Asthma treatments can be divided into two groups, relievers and preventers. Preventers stop inflammation, while relievers such as Ventolin help to open and relax airways to make breathing easier.