Approximately
470,000 people have asthma in Ireland. Ireland has the fourth highest
prevalence of asthma in the world after Australia, New Zealand and the UK.
Asthma in children is more common in boys than in girls. Children who develop
asthma at a very young age are more likely to 'grow out’ of the condition as
they get older.
There
is no cure for asthma. Treatment is based on relief of symptoms and preventing
future symptoms and attacks. Successful prevention is through a combination of prescription
only medication, lifestyle changes and identification and avoiding asthma
triggers.
Short-acting
beta 2-agonists inhalers work quickly to relieve asthma (eg) Ventolin®
inhaler. If an asthmatic needs to use their beta agonist inhaler too regularly
(three or more times per week), they should have their therapy reviewed. Excessive
use of short-acting relievers has been associated with asthma deaths. This is
not the fault of the reliever medication, but is down to the fact that the
patient failed to obtain treatment for their worsening asthma symptoms.
Preventer
inhalers reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent asthma attacks. The
preventer inhaler must be used daily for some time before full benefit is achieved.
Preventer inhalers contain an inhaled corticosteroid. (eg) Becotide®
inhaler
If
short acting beta 2-agonist inhalers and preventer inhalers are not providing
sufficient symptom relief, a long-acting reliever (long acting beta 2-agonist)
may be tried. Inhalers combining an inhaled steroid and a long-acting bronchodilator
(combination inhaler) are more commonly prescribed than long acting beta
2-agonists on their own. (eg) Seretide®, Symbicort®
inhalers.
If
treatment of asthma is still not successful through use of inhalers alone,
options include oral leukotriene receptor antagonists (eg. Singulair®) and oral
theophylline (eg. Uniphyllin®, Phyllocontin®). If asthma is still not under
control, regular oral corticosteroids may be prescribed.
Asthmatics
who are pregnant should manage their asthma in the same way as before
pregnancy. Most medicines used for asthma have been proven to be safe to take
during pregnancy and when breastfeeding. The exception is leukotriene receptor antagonists
(eg. Singulair®).
This article
is shortened. More detailed information and leaflets on Asthma is available in
Whelehans or at www.whelehans.ie. Tel 04493
34591
Disclaimer: Information given is a very general
overview of asthma; ensure you consult with your healthcare professional for
specific advice
Eamonn Brady is a
pharmacist and the owner of Whelehans Pharmacy, Pearse St, Mullingar. If you
have any health questions e-mail them to info@whelehans.ie
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