Homepage> Asthma and Allergies

Asthma and Allergies

Asthma

Asthma is a condition caused by inflammation of the airways – the small tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. When a person with asthma comes into contact with something that irritates their airways (cats, dogs, pollen or even sporting activities), airways become narrower and the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and starts to swell. This makes it difficult to breathe and causes wheezing and coughing. Sometimes also, sticky mucus or phlegm builds up, which can further narrow the airways.

Asthma is a long-term condition that can cause a cough, wheezing and breathlessness. The severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be controlled well in most people most of the time. In the UK, 5.4 million people are currently receiving treatment for asthma. That is 1 in every 12 adults and 1 in every 11 children. Asthma in adults is more common in women than men.

The cause of asthma is not fully understood, but it is known that asthma often runs in families. You are more likely to have asthma if one or both of your parents has or had the condition in the past.

Asthma Treatment

If you are suffering from asthma like symptoms (short of breath, wheezing), you should see your doctor immediately for a diagnosis. Your doctor is able to prescribe medication if he feels you have asthma. If you have already been prescribed an inhaler or have lost your inhaler or run out and cannot get a prescription immediately, we are able to supply you an inhaler to help your asthma symptoms.

Reliever Inhalers - blue

These inhalers are usually blue and are taken immediately to relieve asthma symptoms. They quickly relax the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways. This allows the airways to open wider, making it easier to breathe again. Relievers are essential in treating asthma attacks.

Preventer Inhalers - brown

The following inhalers are used for asthma prevention and should not be used to relief shortness of breath or sudden asthma attacks. These inhalers are usually brown and control the swelling and inflammation in the airways and reduce the risk of severe asthma attacks. These preventers need to be taken every day (usually in the morning and at night) even when you are feeling well. As the protective effect of the steroid builds up, you will be less likely to be breathless or have asthma attacks.

Hay Fever

Hay fever is a seasonal condition and is sometimes called 'seasonal allergic rhinitis'. People with hay fever are allergic to pollen and spores and sometimes cats and dogs. Pollen is the tiny, dust-like particles given off by certain types of trees, grasses, weeds and flowers. Spores are given off by fungi and moulds. Some people are even allergic to cats and dogs, either by their fur or saliva particiles in the atmosphere which is usually in the pet's home.

The symptoms of hay fever occur when the immune system (the body’s defence system) overreacts to allergens, which in turn results in the release of histamine which in turn causes inflammation, itchy reddening or itchy eyes and sneezing.

Hay fever occurs in the spring and summer, and affects the nose, sinuses, throat and eyes. Due to hay fever, the inside of your nose becomes inflamed (swollen), which leads to sneezing, a runny nose and itchy eyes. However, people who have allergic reactions to cats and dogs, tend to have reactions throught the year when they come into contact with these animals.

Perennial Allergic Rhinitis

In some people, hay fever-like symptoms occur all year round. This condition is called 'perennial allergic rhinitis' (or perennial rhinitis). Rhinitis is the medical term describing irritation and inflammation of some internal areas of the nose. The primary symptom of rhinitis is nasal dripping.

Rhinitis is caused by an increase in histamine, which is most often triggered by an allergy to house-dust mites, furry or feathery animals, certain chemicals or some foods. When an airborne allergen such as pollen or dust is inhaled by an individual with a sensitised immune system, it triggers antibody production. These antibodies mostly bind to mast cells, which contain histamine. When the mast cells are stimulated by pollen and dust, histamine (and other chemicals) are released. This causes itching, swelling, and mucus production.

Symptoms vary in severity between individuals. Very sensitive individuals can experience hives or other rashes. Common symptoms include: sneezing, a blocked or congested nose, a watery discharge (runny nose), and an itchy nose. Less common symptoms include: itchy throat, loss of smell, face pain, headache, and itchy and watery, red eyes.

Hay Fever and Rhinitis Treatment

The common cold can often be confused with hay fever and perennial rhinitis because they all cause similar symptoms. However, a cold normally lasts for around a week. Sneezing, a streaming nose and itchy eyes which persist for a few weeks may well be due to either hay fever or perennial rhinitis.

There is no cure for either hay fever or perennial rhinitis. However, in most cases symptoms can be controlled effectively. Hay fever treatments stop the release of histamine, or reduce or prevent the inflammation from histamine. Treatment options include: avoiding things that causes an allergy, an antihistamine nose spray, antihistamine tablets, and a steroid nose spray if needed.

We supply genuine UK medication. All medication is dispatched after a Doctor's careful review of the medical questionnaire which has been filled in by the patient online.

It is prohibited to accept returns of prescription medication - we therefore cannot accept returns or refunds - please be sure that the medication you order is what you actually want / need by discussing with your own Doctor / Physician.
It is always advisable for the patient to see a qualified Doctor, and at Medical Specialists we have all the staff trained to deal with your problems. Should you wish to speak to a Consultant, please do not hesitate to contact us by clicking here.

• Est.1994, first online clinic in 2001
• Now the UK’s first One Stop Pharmacy with Doctors
• Genuine branded medication
• 100% secure online payment
• FREE and discrete delivery*