World Asthma Day
Today is World Asthma Day. We would like to draw attention to two topics: drug-induced shortness of breath and the value of good inhalation technique.
For asthma, your doctor usually prescribes anti-inflammatories and/or bronchodilators. Anti-inflammatories reduce the inflammation in your lungs and windpipe. With airway dilators, these medications cause the muscles around your lungs and windpipe to contract less. This makes it easier to breathe by allowing more air to flow in and out of your lungs. Using a puffer (or powder inhaler), you breathe in the medicine.
Cramping caused by medications
Some people with asthma can become stuffy from certain medications, such as painkillers. Think ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. Also, certain blood pressure-lowering medications such as certain beta blockers or ace inhibitors can make asthma symptoms worse. We check for this in the pharmacy and of course inform you if necessary. If you have any doubts about this, do not hesitate to ask us for advice. We can help you identify medications that are safe for your specific situation and asthma condition.
Make sure you have a good inhalation technique
Inhalers often need to be used daily for optimal function, sometimes the medication is used only as needed. It is important to have your inhalation technique checked regularly at the pharmacy. Whether you're just starting with inhaled medications or have been using an inhaler for a while, we can help you make sure you're using the right technique.
Lack of salbutamol
You probably already know that there is a major shortage of an important asthma medication, salbutamol. Salbutamol acts as a fast-acting airway dilator that relaxes the muscles around the airways, causing the airways to dilate and relieving symptoms such as shortness of breath and shortness of breath in asthma and COPD. Our pharmacy is in direct contact with your doctor to suggest a temporary alternative medicine to you if necessary. Do you have any questions about this? Please let us know by e-mail or via the question form on our website.
More information and useful links
Take the asthma test at lungfonds.nl.
At lungfonds.nl you will find all the information you need about using inhalers, nose medication and nebulizers.
Inhaler-use.nl you can find instructional videos.
Our pharmacy is affiliated with Network Pharmacies. There too more information can be found about asthma.