Asthma is a chronic condition that affects the breathing passage that carries air into our lungs known as the airways. People with asthma experience episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, chest tightness and fatigue due to constriction of the airways.
There are various medications that can assist in managing your Asthma by either preventing or controlling Asthma flareups as required. Most of these medications are in some form of inhaling device. However, the success of these medications is highly dependent on the correct use of these devices. It is estimated that 90% of people do not use their inhalers correctly, therefore many people are not getting the most out of their medicines or achieving best control of their asthma.
At Star Pharmacy our pharmacists are readily available to discuss best techniques in using your medication devices as well as demonstrating the advantage of using “spacers” and “face masks” that make inhalers more effective and easier to use.
When taking regular medicines to control your asthma, it is important to let our pharmacists know if you are also taking other medicines, including non-prescription medicines, as some medicines can aggravate asthma and bring on an asthma attack.
When you come to the pharmacy to buy reliever inhalers, our pharmacist might check if you are on a preventer and the frequency of use of your reliever. In this way our pharmacists can assess whether you are managing your asthma well, or whether you may need to see your doctor.
Our pharmacists can advise you on the best times to use your medicine, as well as how to avoid potential side effects.