Do I Need To Stock Up On Medication
Rizzo advises consumers to check with their pharmacy to find out what they know regarding the availability of all asthma medication, and keeping enough asthma medication on hand to see an individual through an illness that could possibly keep them housebound for several weeks.
“Sometimes patients pay ahead of time and get a three-month supply at a time, says Rizzo. A lot depends on how much patients can afford and what their insurance will cover.
In April, the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology issued a statement to asthma patients warning that certain areas of the country were experiencing shortages of albuterol inhalers and that the shortage may spread. The shortage occurred as COVID-19 patients increasingly have turned to the inhalers to help with respiratory issues. Often called rescue inhalers, these devices work quickly to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack.
In response to the shortage, the;U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first generic albuterol inhaler in April.
Generic versions of albuterol products should make it easier for most patients, pharmacies, and hospitals to access adequate medication, says Meadows.
To his knowledge, manufacturers have increased albuterol;production to make up for the extra need by COVID-19 patients.
The ACAAI advises patients:
Is It Safe To Fly Or Travel Right Now And If I Need To What Precautions Should I Take
Only travel if absolutely necessary, and wear a mask with a face shield if you do, Meadows advises. Delay recreational trips.
Flying should be avoided whenever possible. If you have to fly, wear a mask and keep it on during the entire flight, and have a good supply of hand sanitizer to use frequently, Meadows adds.
Check airline seating policies, too, because many airlines are limiting ticket sales right now to try to keep passengers seated at a safe distance from each other. If you can choose your seat, opt for the window because this minimizes contact with passengers going up and down the aisle during the flight, Meadows says.
With additional reporting by Lisa Rapaport.
Different Types Of Asthma
Asthma has four levels of severity:
- Intermittent Asthma is felt less than two times a week and interrupts sleep less than two nights a month.
- Mild Persistent Asthma means you feel symptoms two or more days a week and wake up three to four nights per month.
- Moderate Persistent Asthma means you experience symptoms every day and wake up one or more nights per week.
- Severe Persistent Asthma symptoms occur every day and wake you up every night.
Read Also: What To Do If You Have Asthma And No Inhaler
Read Also: How To Prevent Asthma Attacks
Combination Single Maintenance And Reliever Therapy
The guidelines were published in December in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunologyand on the NHLBI website.
The combination medication has been found to be more effective for helping you avoid unexpected trips to the emergency room or your doctors office, and can also help you avoid larger corticosteroid doses which with long-term use raise the risk of side effects such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure, cataracts, and glaucoma.
Watch How To Help Someone Who Is Having An Asthma Attack
What is asthma?
Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. When someone has an asthma attack, these tubes become narrowed, making it difficult to breathe in and out.
How can I tell if someone is having an asthma attack?
People with asthma should be able to let you know if they are having an attack.
Someone having an asthma attack will have difficulty breathing and speaking, and may cough and wheeze. They may be very anxious and distressed as they struggle to breathe.In some cases, their lips, earlobes and nail beds may turn greyish-blue because there isnt enough oxygen in their body.
What sort of medication will someone with asthma use?
Someone who has asthma will normally have an inhaler that their doctor has prescribed. They may also have a spacer, which makes the inhaler more effective.
If someone is having an asthma attack they should know how to use their inhaler and spacer but they may need your help in finding them.
What does an inhaler look like?
Inhalers can come in many different sizes and shapes. Inhalers to relieve asthma attacks are usually blue. Inhalers that prevent asthma attacks may be brown or white.
How do you use an inhaler?
If a person has asthma they should know how to use their inhaler, they may need your help getting it for them. They should take it as normal. If that doesnt help they can take one or two puffs every 30 or 60 seconds until theyve had 10 puffs.;;
Also Check: Does Smoking Weed Affect Asthma
How Is Your Reliever Inhaler Different To Your Preventer Inhaler
-
Your reliever inhaler is usually blue. You only use it when your symptoms are getting worse or youre having an asthma attack. Your reliever inhaler treats asthma symptoms quickly when they come on.
-
Your preventer inhaler comes in different colours. You use it every day as prescribed to prevent asthma symptoms. Your preventer inhaler keeps down the inflammation and sensitivity in your airways.
Did you know?;If youre regularly using your reliever inhaler, and relying on it to manage symptoms, youre more at risk of an asthma attack.
This is because your reliever doesnt deal with the underlying inflammation in your airways.;
See your GP or asthma nurse to talk about managing your asthma better with a good preventer inhaler routine.
Move Away From Triggers
The presence of asthma triggers wont only cause an attack, they can also make your symptoms worse. Be sure to try to get away from things that may be triggering your asthma attack.
For example, if youre in an area where people are smoking cigarettes, you should move away promptly.
Its also important to know your triggers. Common triggers include:
- allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, or certain foods
You should always be sure to seek immediate emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms during an asthma attack:
- your symptoms continue to get worse even after treatment
- you cant speak except in short words or phrases
- youre straining your chest muscles in an effort to breathe
- your shortness of breath or wheezing is severe, particularly in the early morning or late-night hours
- you begin to feel drowsy or tired
- your lips or face appear blue when youre not coughing
Symptoms that indicate that you could be experiencing an asthma attack include:
- severe shortness of breath
Recommended Reading: First Aid Asthma Attack Without Inhaler
Using A Spacer With The Inhaler
If you or your child find it difficult to use an inhaler, your doctor may give you a spacer to use with it.
A spacer is a large metal or plastic container with a mouthpiece and a hole for the inhaler. When used with the inhaler it makes it easier to get the right amount of salbutamol into the lungs.
Spacers are especially useful for giving salbutamol to young children.
Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse can show you how to use a spacer with the inhaler.
Common Questions About Salbutamol Inhalers
Salbutamol is a type of medicine called a bronchodilator. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, which makes it easier to breathe.
When you have a puff of your salbutamol inhaler it works almost straight away to make your breathing easier. It carries on working for about 5 hours.
Most people will use salbutamol for many years. Once your breathing is better, it may be possible for you or your child to use salbutamol less often. But you should always have your salbutamol inhaler with you so you can use it as soon as you have breathing problems.
Do not stop taking salbutamol unless your doctor tells you to. If you stop taking salbutamol your breathing problems could get worse. Even if you only have to use salbutamol occasionally, keep your inhaler with you all the time in case you have a sudden attack.
Salbutamol is a type of medicine called a bronchodilator.
Almost everyone who has asthma or COPD is prescribed a bronchodilator inhaler or “reliever” inhaler to help their breathing.
There are 2 main bronchodilators:
- salbutamol
Recommended Reading: Inhaled Steroids And Weight Gain
Using An Inhaler For A Cough And Hay Fever
Asthma symptoms include more than just breathlessness. Coughing is one common symptom of asthma, which can exacerbate other conditions such as hay fever and the common cold/flu. On this page, we look at the connection between coughing and asthma. Alternatively, you can order now to receive your preferred inhaler. This includes free UK delivery and you can have your inhaler delivered as early as tomorrow when ordered before 4.30pm Monday-Friday.
What Is An Asthma Action Plan
Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop an asthma action plan. This plan tells you how and when to use your medicines. It also tells you what to do if your asthma gets worse and when to seek emergency care. Understand the plan and ask your healthcare provider about anything you dont understand.
Also Check: Marijuana Effects On Asthma
Can I Use An Inhaler For Cystic Fibrosis
Those with cystic fibrosis sometimes suffer from a build of mucus in their lungs. When used with other treatments to remove mucus or infections, an asthma inhaler can reduce inflammation and open up airways. This is important because repeat infections can damage lungs.
For cystic fibrosis, you should always visit your doctor before requesting an inhaler to ensure they are appropriate for you. This will give you an opportunity to note down the dosage requirements.
Nebulisers are also used to treat cystic fibrosis. These are devices that transform liquid mediation into mist.
Could My Asthma Medication Be Weakening My Immune System And Putting Me At Greater Risk Of Infection
Staying on prescribed asthma medication will help protect against complications from COVID-19. Remember better controlling your asthma overall, lessens your risk of a worse infection.
Asthma patients should follow their asthma treatment plan as determined by their doctor. Rizzo says oral steroids may affect a persons immune system, although it will vary from person to person.
Inhaled steroids, however, affect just the airway lining. They are generally not being absorbed systemically like an oral steroid, so therefore they should not be affecting the bodys immune system.
If you have questions about whether you should adjust your treatment plan because of concerns about COVID-19, talk to your doctor.
RELATED: Do Steroid Meds Up My Risk of COVID-19 or Getting Sicker From It? Everything You Need to Know
Don’t Miss: Benefits Of Humidifier For Asthma
Tips For When You Dont Have An Inhaler
Mild to moderate asthma attacks can occur at inopportune times. You may be able to manage your asthma more effectively with these tips. If these dont work CALL AN AMBULANCE.
Misuse Of Asthma Inhalers Signs Symptoms And Treatment
Misuse of asthma medication can be classified in two ways- improper dosage and administration of the medication, or use by an individual other than the whom the medication has been prescribed to. The focus here will be on the latter; as intentional misuse of asthma inhalers has not been extensively examined.
Use of someone elses prescription asthma medication may not necessarily take place with the intention of getting high; a survey of Detroit middle school students reported using someone elses inhaler for reasons such as help with breathing, increased lung capacity during exercise, or increased concentration and alertness.
Misuse may occur by students with or without asthma, with the second group being of particular concern. Use of someone elses inhaler medication to relieve acute asthmatic symptoms may not be problematic, but use of inhaler medication in the absence of asthma may be related to future substance use.
Read Also: Marines With Asthma
Over The Counter Inhaler
Over the counter inhalers, such as Primatene Mist, are available without a prescription. However, it is important to understand that an OTC inhaler is not a replacement for a prescription inhaler. While there may be instances in which using an over the counter asthma inhaler is appropriate, you should talk to your doctor before trying one. In most cases, asthmatics will need to use a prescription inhaler as directed by a doctor. Asthma is a serious condition that can be life threatening, so it is important to always follow your doctors instructions exactly. Never stop or start taking any type of asthma medication without first consulting your doctor. If you are having frequent asthma attacks, talk to your healthcare provider to right away. He or she will discuss your condition with you and help you find ways to better control your symptoms.
Your Level Of Asthma Control
If your asthma is well controlled, ;your airways will be less sensitive to exercise. You’ll find exercise is less of a trigger for you.If you find exercise makes your breathing a lot worse, it could be a sign that your asthma is not controlled. Tell your doctor about your symptoms and ask how to get your asthma under control.If your asthma is usually well-controlled, but you’ve got a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection, you could be more likely to get symptoms while exercising. If you’ve been sick, pay careful attention to your symptoms. It may be a good idea to exercise less while you’re getting over your chest infection.
Don’t Miss: Does Walmart Sell Over The Counter Inhalers
What We Know About Asthma And Covid
Asthma is a pre-existing lung condition affecting 1 in 13 people in the U.S. It can cause wheezing, chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. Asthma can be controlled by taking medications and avoiding triggers.
COVID-19 is a respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The virus affects cells in the airways, from the nose and throat down to the deepest parts of the lungs. In the nose and throat it might cause symptoms of a cold. In the upper airways, it might cause some breathlessness and cough. When the coronavirus lodges itself deep in the lungs, this is when things can start to get serious. Here, the coronavirus commonly causes a double lung infection, or bilateral pneumonia.;
Interestingly, research so far does not suggest any link between having asthma and getting a more severe COVID-19 illness, or between asthma and coronavirus deaths.;
Whether this is because the SARS-CoV-2 virus doesnt affect people with asthma in the same way as other respiratory viruses, or because there simply isnt enough data yet, remains to be seen.;
Recommended Reading: How Often Can You Use A Nebulizer For Asthma
What Should I Avoid If I Have Asthma
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports the foods that cause the majority of allergic reactions include tree nuts, wheat, soy, peanuts, eggs, fish, shellfish and cows milk. If youre allergic to any of those foods, definitely avoid eating themor anything thats cross-contaminated by them.
Also Check: How To Deal With Asthma Attack Without Inhaler
Quick Relief: Rescue Inhaler
Rescue or relief inhalers quickly bring back normal breathing when you are:
- Short of breath
You should keep a rescue inhaler with you all the time. Use it:
- When you have a flare of symptoms
- Before you’re going to be around your asthma triggers
- When you run into unexpected triggers
A rescue inhaler is for short-term symptom relief, not to control your asthma in the long term. If you’re using yours 2 or more days a week, or more than 2 nights a month, talk to your doctor about a daily control inhaler.
Why Might Someone With Asthma Be Without An Inhaler
However, this doesn’t mean that everyone with asthma has an inhaler with them at all times. Often when someone has been living without symptoms for a long time, they may assume that their asthma has gone, and so get out of the habit of carrying one. Some people might develop symptoms suddenly for the first time as an adult, with no preparation. Others might just sometimes forget. Unfortunately, not having an inhaler won’t stop an attack.;
Recommended Reading: What Does A Nebulizer Do For Asthma
What Can Exercise Do For Those With Asthma
If you have asthma, itâs vital that you speak with your healthcare provider about starting an exercise program, as they can help you find a program that fits your needs and physical condition. Regular physical activity, especially aerobic exercise, has many benefits relevant to asthma and EIB:
- Improved lung capacity and stronger respiratory muscles.
- Reduced airway inflammation: regular exercise reduces inflammatory proteins, which are responsible for inflammation in the airways in those with asthma.
- Improved circulation and better oxygen utilization.
- Stronger cardiovascular health.
Donât Miss: Can You Have Asthma In The Army