Asthma

Asthma is a common lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood, although it can also develop for the first time in adults.

There's currently no cure, but there are simple treatments that can help keep the symptoms under control so it does not have a big impact on your life.

Symptoms of asthma include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Tight chest
• Shortness of breath

Find out more about asthma on the NHS website.

Are you using your inhaler correctly?

A recent survey by Asthma + Lung UK found that up to a third of sufferers aren’t using their inhalers correctly. This could lead to side effects or not receiving the correct dosage of medicine.

People most at risk include those with allergies or a family history of asthma. It’s often thought that only young people develop asthma, but actually it can appear at any age.

“The most common mistake that people make with inhalers is breathing in either too hard or too gently for their specific device. Many of them need different techniques,” explains our pharmacist Jeff Law.

According to Asthma + Lung UK, the lives of three families are devastated by the death of a loved one to an asthma attack every day and tragically two thirds of deaths are preventable.

People who use inhalers can drop into any Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacy to find out more about how to use their inhalers in the correct way.

“There’s no need to book an appointment and our pharmacists are happy to help. You can show to us that you’re doing it right or we can check to see if you’re doing it wrong!” - Pharmacist Jeff.

Find out more about asthma on the Asthma + Lung UK website.

Here to help

If you would like advice on how to use your inhaler or would like more information, your local Lincolnshire Co-op pharmacy will be happy to help.

For more details, just pop into your local branch.

Video resources

Common myths about Asthma

Are you using your inhaler properly?

Asthma - How to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI)