All You Need to Know

• How do I treat asthma?

  Asthma can be treated by using an inhaler, which allows you to breathe in medicine.

  There are two main types of inhaler:

  • A reliever is used to quickly make symptoms better. These are usually blue.
  • A preventer is used daily to help stop symptoms occurring.

  Some people need an inhaler which does both. This is called a combination inhaler.

  Using a spacer can help the right amount of medicine get to your lungs. A spacer is a plastic tube which slots onto your inhaler at one end, with a mouthpiece at the other end.

  Some people also need to take tablets to treat asthma.

• Should I use a spacer with my inhaler?

  Using a spacer with your inhaler can reduce your symptoms and side effects. It helps the medicine get down into your lungs.

  Using an inhaler with a spacer;

  • Take the cap off the inhaler and check there is nothing inside the mouthpiece.
  • Shake the inhaler.
  • Place the inhaler in the end of the spacer.
  • Put the mouthpiece in your mouth and make a good seal so no medicine can escape.
  • Press one puff of the inhaler into the spacer.
  • Breathe in and out 5 times or count to 10 slowly.
  • Repeat the above steps for each puff you need. Remember to take the inhaler out of the spacer, to shake between each puff.

  Wipe your face afterwards, this removes medicine that might have landed on your skin, which could cause redness or irritation.

  For most people, your spacer can be used with a mouthpiece, but a spacer with a mask may be given to you if you cannot put your lips around the mouthpiece to form a tight seal.

  Watch an inhaler and spacer video guide

• What is an asthma action plan?

  An Asthma Action Plan is designed for those aged 12 and over. Fill it in with your GP or asthma nurse.

  It lists the medicines you need to take every day to stay well, what to do if your asthma gets worse, and what to do if you have an asthma attack.

  Download an asthma action plan

• What should I do if I have an asthma attack?

  If you think you're having an asthma attack, you should:

  1. Sit up straight – try to keep calm
  2. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds up to 10 puffs
  3. If you feel worse at any point, or you do not feel better after 10 puffs, call 999 for an ambulance
  4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2
  5. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately.

  What to do during an asthma attack

• Ask for help if you need it

  Never be frightened of calling for help in an emergency.

  Take the details of your medicines (or your personal asthma action plan) with you to hospital if possible.

  If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, get an urgent same-day appointment to see a GP or asthma nurse.

  If you use a combination inhaler, you should ask a GP or asthma nurse what to do if you have an asthma attack.