More ways to help yourself


There are several other things you can do to help keep your asthma symptoms under control…


• Use your preventer inhaler or steroid tablets every day, even if you’re not having any symptoms.


• Check you’re using your inhaler correctly (ask your local Careway pharmacist to check your inhaler technique – they may advise you to use a device called a spacer to make using your inhaler easier and more effective).


• If you smoke, consider giving up or cutting down, as smoking may increase your risk of having more severe and frequent asthma symptoms (your pharmacist can offer help and support with stopping smoking if you need it).


• Eat a healthy balanced diet that includes at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day.


• Stay active – aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week (this should make you breathe faster and make you feel warmer).


• Always have your annual flu vaccine (if you have asthma, you’re entitled to free flu jabs on the NHS – ask your local Careway pharmacist about their flu jab service).


• Speak to your pharmacist before taking any other medicines, as some may not be suitable for people with asthma.


• Go for regular check-ups with your doctor or asthma nurse so they can help you manage your condition effectively.


Festive triggers Meanwhile the festive season can also come with its own asthma triggers – according to Asthma UK these may include:


• Scented candles • Dusty decorations • Mould on Christmas trees • Smoke from open fires and wood-burning stoves • Drinking alcohol (according to Asthma UK some people experience asthma symptoms when they drink any kind of alcohol, while others say it's only certain drinks that cause a problem – wine, for example) • Being exposed to second-hand cigarette smoke


The charity advises people living with asthma to be aware of their triggers and avoid them wherever possible. For example this could mean choosing drinks you know won’t aggravate your asthma at the office Christmas party, and asking friends not to smoke or light scented candles or an open fire if you’re visiting them over the festive period. And if you’re planning to have a real Christmas tree, try hosing or


wiping it down before you bring it into the house, and keep the tree in a cool room to help stop any mould growing. Make sure you have your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you at all


times, and make sure you have plenty of your asthma medicines before your local pharmacy and GP surgery close for the Christmas and New Year holidays.


If you have any questions or concerns about your asthma symptoms or treatments, your local Careway pharmacist can give you all the advice and reassurance you may need. Ask to speak to the pharmacist at your local Careway pharmacy today, so you’re prepared for any cold spells this winter.


Taking your asthma medicines


The aim of asthma treatment is to keep you as free as possible from symptoms. It also helps to reduce your risk of having an asthma attack. If you have asthma you may be given a


preventer inhaler. This should be used as prescribed every day, whether you have symptoms or not. This delivers a low dose of steroid medicine to your airways, which helps to reduce the inflammation and sensitivity, so you’re less likely to react to triggers. Meanwhile everyone with asthma should be


given a reliever inhaler. This should be used to relieve your symptoms if they suddenly get worse. If you need to use your reliever inhaler more than three times a week, it could mean your airways are not coping well. If this happens, see your GP or asthma nurse about reviewing your treatment, or speak to your local Careway pharmacist about your concerns (they’ll refer you to your GP if they think it’s necessary).


All About health 21


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