Asthma Care

Hello everyone, I am Amir Hannan, a GP at Haughton Thornley Medical Centres

And I am Punam, our Senior Clinical Pharmacist. 

We’re here to discuss some significant updates regarding asthma management that are essential for you to understand. These changes are being implemented by experts in the field, and they are designed to improve the way asthma is diagnosed and managed, as well as to guide you on what to do in the event of an asthma attack. Our goal is straightforward: to enhance your care, prioritise your safety, and ultimately save lives.

Asthma is more prevalent than you might think. In the UK alone, 7.2 million people are living with this respiratory condition, which equates to about 8% of the population. At our practice, we manage asthma for more than 2000 patients out of a total of nearly 13000. In addition Tameside has the highest level of asthma admissions across Greater Manchester and patients stay in hospital longer than elsewhere. Those living with asthma often experience symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, or a feeling of tightness in the chest. These symptoms can vary in severity and sometimes escalate rapidly, leading to an asthma attack. You might find that different factors trigger your symptoms—these can include exercise, allergens, and even changes in the weather. Each individual with asthma has unique triggers, which means it’s vital to understand and manage your condition accordingly.

Currently, while there is no cure for asthma, most individuals can successfully control their symptoms using asthma inhalers and various medications. It’s worth noting that some people may go several weeks or even months without experiencing any symptoms. However, the statistics surrounding asthma are concerning, with four individuals dying each day in the UK due to asthma attacks, the majority of which are preventable. The most effective way to reduce your risk is by adhering to your prescribed asthma medications, even when you’re feeling well, and having an asthma action plan in place can significantly improve your management.

Now, let’s talk about the changes we’ve made. We now have the ability to diagnose asthma more effectively using a straightforward blood test that can help confirm your diagnosis. If you’ve already had this test recently, you might not need to repeat it. Alternatively, our nurses can conduct a quick FENO test that only takes about five minutes. If required, we will ask you to monitor your peak flow readings twice daily to track variations, or we might request a more formal spirometry test. In rare cases where we are unsure about the diagnosis, a referral to a hospital for further specialist testing may be necessary.

One of the most significant adjustments in asthma management is related to treatment protocols. We are moving away from the traditional use of salbutamol inhalers for managing asthma attacks. For patients with well-managed asthma, we now recommend alternatives such as DuroResp, Symbicort, or WockAir. You can take one puff of these inhalers up to six times in a single instance if you’re experiencing symptoms, and you may use them as a reliever medication up to eight times a day as needed.

If you find yourself needing to use your inhaler more frequently, we recommend that you take one puff of DuroResp, Symbicort, or WockAir twice daily while also keeping the option available to use up to six doses for immediate relief. In situations where you continue to experience symptoms, your doctor may advise increasing your intake to two puffs twice daily while still allowing for the usual reliever doses. Depending on your circumstances, you may also be prescribed additional medications such as Montelukast or Spiriva Respimat.

As the phased transition away from salbutamol takes place, we are focused on ensuring that patients are adequately supported during this change. It’s not just up to the doctors; our pharmacists and nurses are here to help you, particularly if your asthma is not well controlled. We will help guide you through adding new medications and adjusting your treatment plan to better suit your needs.

Furthermore, we encourage the use of dry powder devices for inhalation therapy. These devices are more environmentally friendly and help to decrease our carbon footprint. While some patients may initially find these devices less familiar, with practice, you will adapt, and many will find them easier to use. Remember all inhalers taste and feel different and it may take time to get used to them.

If you’d like to learn more about managing your asthma effectively, there are plenty of resources available on our dedicated asthma care page. We are committed to ensuring you have access to the information and support you need as you navigate these changes.

Remember, these modifications to how we approach asthma care are aimed at you—at enhancing your quality of life and safeguarding your health. We are here to assist you every step of the way. Thank you for taking the time to listen, and we look forward to helping you manage your asthma more effectively.