02 Mar Asthma

Visit Leech pharmacy for advice on controlling your Asthma.

The disease is widespread in fact:

Ireland has the 4th highest prevalence of asthma worldwide. Approximately 470,000 people affected (1 in 8 of population) … Asthma is the commonest chronic disease in childhood and the most common respiratory condition in Ireland.

It affects the airways making them over sensitive to things such as cold air, dust, pollen etc. and causes the airways to tighten making breathing more difficult.

An asthma attack
Symptoms that may illustrate and asthma attack are:

• Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
• Coughing that won’t stop
• Very rapid breathing
• Chest tightness or pressure
• Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
• Difficulty talking
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Pale, sweaty face
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Or worsening symptoms despite use of your medications

What do you do when you have an asthma attack?
According to the Asthma Society here in Ireland follow the five step rule…

5 Step Rule
This is an emergency – act now.
1. Stay calm. Sit up straight – do not lie down.
2. Take slow steady breaths.
3. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every minute.
Use a spacer if available.
-People over 6 years can take up to 10 puffs in 10 minutes.
-Children under 6 can take up to 6 puffs in 10 minutes.
4. Call 112 or 999 if your symptoms do not improve after 10 minutes.
5 Repeat step 3 if an ambulance has not arrived in 10 minutes.

Remember if someone is having an asthma attack:
-Do not leave them on their own.
-Extra puffs of reliever inhaler (usually blue) are safe.