Asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition that affects the airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. According to Asthma UK, there are 5.4 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma For more information, visit www.asthma.org.uk

Treatment available for asthma at your local pharmacy:

Pharmacists can answer any questions you may have about your asthma medicines. If you find it difficult to use your inhaler, or feel that it is not controlling your symptoms, talk to your pharmacist. Finding yourself short of breath during the day or if your asthma wakes you up at night it could mean your asthma isn’t as well controlled as it could be. Next time you’re in your local pharmacy take a minute to talk to your pharmacist and find out if you’re getting the most from your medicines. If you’re a smoker and have asthma you’ve got a good incentive to quit. Smoking worsens asthma and counteracts asthma medication by worsening the inflammation of the airways that the medicine tries to ease. However mild or severe your asthma is, stopping smoking can reduce your symptoms, making asthma easier to manage. So when you are ready to stop your pharmacist can offer you advice and support in confidence if you wish.

If you are prescribed a new medicine for the first time for asthma, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free NHS-funded scheme called The New Medicine Service (NMS), available across England. The New Medicines Service allows people to discuss any concerns, e.g. side effects or what to do if you miss a dose. It can take place over the phone or in a pharmacy consultation room for approximately 15 minutes. You will receive a telephone call a couple of weeks later (or meet at the pharmacy) to resolve any outstanding issues – or you can be referred back to your GP if you need more help.

If you are taking two or more prescribed medicines, the NHS Medicines Use Review is another free NHS service that can help you get maximum benefit from your medicines. Ask at your local pharmacy for more information or, alternatively, your GP can refer you to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can also refer to other services and support groups that may help you.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) 

What is COPD?

COPD stands for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This is a term used for a number of conditions; including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD leads to damaged airways in the lungs, causing them to become narrower and making it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs. The word 'chronic' means that the problem is long-term. Occupational factors, such as coal dust, and some inherited problems can also cause COPD. Whether pollution is a factor is under investigation. For more information, visit www.lunguk.org.

How can my local pharmacy help me to prevent COPD?

The most common cause of COPD is smoking. Once you give up smoking, you gradually reduce the chances of getting COPD - and you slow down its progress if you already have it. Many pharmacies offer support and advice to stop smoking.

Treatment available for COPD at your local pharmacy:

If you are prescribed a new medicine for the first time for COPD, you may be able to get extra help and advice about your medicine from your local pharmacist through a free NHS-funded scheme called The New Medicine Service (NMS), available across England. The New Medicines Service allows people to discuss any concerns, e.g. side effects or what to do if you miss a dose. It can take place over the phone or in a pharmacy consultation room for approximately 15 minutes. You will receive a telephone call a couple of weeks later (or meet at the pharmacy) to resolve any outstanding issues – or you can be referred back to your GP if you need more help.

If you are taking two or more prescribed medicines, the NHS Medicines Use Review is another free NHS service that can help you get maximum benefit from your medicines. Ask at your local pharmacy for more information or, alternatively, your GP can refer you to your pharmacist. Pharmacists can also refer to other services and support groups that may help you. Many pharmacies also offer stop smoking services.