Buy Asthma Inhalers over the counter (without prescription) online in the UK

Genetic predisposition, air pollution, increase in the number of fine particles in the air, allergies, so many factors that lead to a most alarming finding: nowadays, about one in fifteen people in the UK suffers from asthma.

Moreover, given the difficulty of diagnosing asthma, this figure is very probably underestimated. Faced with this pathology, the prescribed treatment is often the same and involves taking a bronchodilator which is most often in the form of an inhaler spray.

Over-the-counter asthma inhalers

Asthma is a chronic disease primarily affecting the lower airways, which are the bronchi.

It is characterised by various factors: a contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding the bronchial tubes, inflammation associated with swelling of the mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes and finally by an abnormal production of mucus. The most problematic aspect of asthma is the severe inflammation of the bronchial mucosa. This inflammation is a protective system set up by the body to mobilise a large number of white blood cells. As is well known, asthma occurs in attacks. Between attacks, the patient’s breathing is usually normal. This last aspect complicates the diagnosis of this disease.

How is an asthma attack triggered?

Asthma is unfortunately a chronic disease whose causes are still poorly identified and from which there is no complete cure. Studies have shown that there is a genetic component, but that external factors are also responsible for the occurrence of attacks. In individuals with asthma, irritating factors such as smoking or exposure to chemicals, infection (bacterial, virus), allergies or even sports activity can be triggers.

How does an asthma attack manifest itself?

The contraction of the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes combined with their inflammation leads to a significant reduction in the diameter of the bronchial tubes and therefore to a reduction in airflow, which results in an audible whistling sound when air is exhaled. To get an idea of what a person with asthma experiences on a daily basis, try to imagine yourself breathing out through a straw. People with asthma may also experience occasional tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, and sometimes even coughing. The duration of asthma attacks varies greatly from person to person, but also between attacks. An asthma attack can vary from several minutes to several hours. The same applies to the frequency and intensity of asthma attacks, which vary considerably from one individual to another.

On the other hand, asthma attacks are more frequent at night because our production of cortisol, a natural anti-inflammatory, is lower at night.

There are two main types of asthma:

The evolution of asthma is extremely difficult to establish. In order to avoid the development of a more severe form of asthma, the introduction of a background treatment can be particularly important. Why should you take a background treatment if you are already taking an effective treatment for your asthma attacks? Simply to prevent attacks from becoming more frequent and bronchodilators from losing their effectiveness over time.

What are the different types of asthma inhalers in the UK?

There are different types of inhalers used for asthma treatment each with different properties and uses.

Pressurised metered dose inhalers or sprays

The pressurised aerosol contains an active substance diluted in a liquid that is sprayed through a spray inhaler that contains a gas, most commonly hydroxyfluoroalkane. This gas makes it possible to avoid the step of shaking the aerosol before its use. A single press on the bottle releases a single dose of medicine. In order to optimise its use, the pressure exerted on the inhaler must be perfectly coordinated with the inspiration of the product. In addition, inhalation must begin within 5 seconds of the inhaler being switched on.

Handling can therefore be difficult, especially for young children. In this case, an inhalation chamber can be used. It makes it easier to use the inhaler without having to press the cartridge and inhale at the same time. The inhalation chamber consists of two parts: a sealed reservoir into which the inhaler is inserted and a second part which is placed in the mouth. In simple terms, once the inhaler is activated, the released active substance is contained in the inhalation chamber until it is inhaled by the patient. Inhalation chambers are reimbursed at 65% by the Social Security.

Dry powder inhalers

Dry powder inhalers make it possible to free oneself from the constraints linked to the propellant, but also to facilitate the reading of the dose of medication taken. They are available as single-dose or multi-dose devices. Single-dose devices require the device to be refilled before each use. Single-dose devices are in the form of capsules, the contents of which are released for inhalation after piercing.

Multi-dose devices have either a reservoir of powder from which a set amount is taken by a dosing mechanism on each inhalation or a set number of unit doses in capsules in a blister pack. Each dose is released from the blister pack on activation of the device immediately prior to inhalation. In all cases, dry powder inhalers do not contain propellant. In general, for dry powder devices more particularly for multi-dose reservoir devices, it is recommended that they are stored away from moisture.

Nebulisers

These devices require little cooperation from the patient. They produce a mixture of air and water that contains the medication. This is sprayed in the form of tiny droplets and inhaled through a mask or mouthpiece depending on the age of the patient.

What is an inhaler for asthma used for?

Since asthma is a pathology affecting the respiratory tract, taking inhaled medication is both the most suitable and also the most effective. Why should inhalers be preferred? The dose of medicine required is much lower than taking another form of treatment because the medicine reaches the bronchial tubes directly without passing through the digestive tract. It is also much quicker to act, as inhalation allows the medicine to be directed directly at its target. Finally, only a very small amount of the drug passes into the bloodstream, which greatly limits the side effects. However, it requires proper use of the inhaler in order to get the right dose of medication.

Diagnosis

Because the causes and symptoms of asthma vary so much from person to person, it is difficult to make a diagnosis. Doctors usually carry out two types of investigations. The first is to carry out respiratory function tests such as measuring the volume of air exhaled by the lungs. In parallel, performing an allergy assessment is also important as allergies are one of the main causes of asthma.

Asthma: what treatment?

There are two main conventional treatments for asthma. In both cases, this attack treatment needs to be given promptly. The treatment of asthma requires the use of corticosteroids in the form of drops or tablets to be swallowed: prednisone, prednisolone or betamethasone. In the first instance, the use of bronchiodilators in the form of inhalers is preferred: salbutamol (Ventoline®, Aeromir®, Ventilastin®) or terbutaline (Bricanyl®). They will allow the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes to relax and thus facilitate the passage of air.

As asthma is a chronic disease, it cannot be cured. However, disease-modifying therapy can be used to reduce the intensity and increase the time between attacks. In order for the background treatment to be effective, it must be taken every day. The results will only be visible after 3 to 4 weeks after the start of the treatment. It is also worth avoiding exposure to allergens such as pollen or animal hair, smoking, but also infections by remembering to get vaccinated.

Active substances on asthma and their effects

Corticosteroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to treat inflammation of the bronchial tubes of asthmatic subjects. They also reduce the production of mucus. Used in small doses, usually in the form of a metered dose spray, corticosteroids reduce the inflammation of the bronchial tubes and thus help to improve airflow. For short periods or in cases of severe asthma, they can be taken in tablet form. In addition, corticosteroids reduce the sensitivity of the bronchial tubes to irritants, thus reducing the number of asthma attacks.

If inhaled corticosteroids are used, improvement is gradual and only fully effective after a few weeks. Bronchodilators are usually used in combination with steroids and work by relaxing the muscles around the bronchial tubes. They can be effective quickly in less than 5 minutes or more slowly depending on the molecule. More rarely, ipratropium bromide may be prescribed. It is advisable to use it in a nebuliser. It is an anticholinergic which also aims to reduce the contraction of the airway muscles. Count however 1 to 2 hours to benefit from a maximum effect.

The dosage, a key point

Using an inhaler has one big advantage when it comes to dosing the medicine: it is very simple. All you have to do is follow your doctor’s prescription to the letter. A dose corresponds to a pressure on the inhaler, which in turn corresponds to a precise dose of active substance delivered. For example, one dose of Ventoline®, Aeromir® or Ventilastin® corresponds to 100 µg of salbutamol and one dose of Bricanyl® corresponds to 500 µg of terbutaline sulphate.

The calculation is even simpler for dry powder inhalers, which operate on a unit dose or metered dose system. Nebulisers use unit doses of medication presented, mostly, as pipettes to be introduced directly into the nebuliser kit.

What are the best inhalers for asthma?

Drug treatments administered by inhalation are most relevant for the treatment of bronchial diseases such as asthma. One of the main reasons why a treatment may be ineffective is the misuse of the inhalation device by the patient. There are different types of inhalation devices on the market: metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers and nebulisers. Each of these devices has advantages and disadvantages, but above all different techniques of use that need to be assessed with the patient and taken into account when the device is prescribed by the doctor.

In order to maximise the chances of successful treatment, the choice of device must therefore be made taking into account the patient’s needs in terms of treatment, but above all considering his or her ability to use a particular inhalation device. It is important to bear in mind that, even if they contain the same active ingredient, the treatments are not interchangeable by your pharmacist. Among the profusion of inhalers that exist on the market, here are five models that deserve your attention.

Omnibus BR-CN116

This inhaler and its nebulisation system guarantee effective, easy and fast drug delivery. For added convenience, the Omnibus BR-CN116 inhaler has a detachable power cord and a handle for optimal ergonomics. The inhaler is suitable for both adults and children thanks to the two mask sizes supplied with the device. The delivery also includes five air filters and a storage case for easy transport. With its three-year warranty, this device is very interesting. One negative point: the noise level, which may frighten younger people.

Omron C28P

One of the big positives of this medical device is its efficiency. Thanks to its nebulisation rate of 0.5 ml/min, this device quickly delivers the active substance with a particularly small droplet size, i.e. about 3 microns. A figure to remember: in less than 5 minutes, this nebuliser can administer 2.5 ml of salbutamol. The Omron C28P inhaler is very easy to use as it only has one button.

To make your sessions easier, this product comes with a carrying bag, a nebulizer kit, a 200 cm air tube, but also with an adult mask, a child mask, mouth and nose pieces and five air filters. This nebuliser, available in four colours, is also robust and has a long-lasting compressor to allow you to use it intensively every day. This makes it particularly useful for patients who need to take medication several times a day over the long term. One drawback: its price is rather on the high side.

Hangsun CN560

This nebuliser comes with a number of accessories: an air tube, a children’s mask, an adult mask, a mouthpiece, two nosepieces, three baffles and four spare air filters. Silent, the small particle size emitted of about 5 microns allows good penetration of medicine droplets into the bronchial tubes.

Pipishell portable inhaler

The Pipishell nebuliser has the advantage of being portable but also particularly quiet. The Pipishell inhaler is equipped with advanced technology that allows it to form very small particle sizes between 1 and 5 microns, so that the medication particles easily penetrate your bronchial tubes to maximise the speed of the medication’s action. Very easy to use, you just need to press a button to activate it.

Omnibus BR-CN116B

This nebuliser has the advantage of being versatile and suitable for the whole family. It includes a children’s mask, an adult mask and an air hose. As it weighs only 1.6 kg, this new version of the BR-CN116 nebulizer can be carried from one room to another in the house without any special effort. Unfortunately, some users have noted that this nebulizer is a bit noisy. This can be a nuisance for night time use.

How to use your inhaler properly

The technique of use depends on the type of inhaler. It is important to seek advice from your doctor if you are unsure how to use your inhaler. For more details, feel free to look at videos on the internet that will demonstrate how to use an inhaler in practice.

Here is a list of simple rules to follow to use your inhaler properly:

1. Exhale all the air in your lungs. For the inhaled medicine to be effective, a sufficient dose must reach the bronchi. This is why it is necessary to breathe out fully first, before using the inhaler.
2. Then press the inhaler and inhale deeply.
3. Stop your breathing for at least 10 seconds. To give the medicine time to reach its target, it is important to keep it in your respiratory system for a few seconds. When taking corticosteroids, it is also recommended to clean your mouth to avoid oral fungus.

To properly use its powder inhaler, here is how to proceed:

In a first step, you must activate the inhaler. This step is variable depending on the model. It is therefore important to read the instructions for use. For example, for a Turbuhaler®, you will have to turn the knob in one direction and then in the other. For an Autohaler®, you have to lift the lever upwards, shake the inhaler before inhaling. The inhalation step, proper, is identical to that of a metered dose inhaler.

Here are some simple rules to follow to use your nebuliser inhaler properly:

1. 1. Wash the various parts of the nebuliser with soapy water

.

1. Let it dry
2. Choose the accessory to be used and attach it to the device: a nose mask or a mouthpiece
3. Place the medication in the nebulizer kit
4. Place the mask or mouthpiece in place to begin inhalation

Possible side effects

Inhaled corticosteroids have less risk of serious side effects than tablet corticosteroids. For background treatment, corticosteroids in spray or powder form should therefore be preferred. In the event of an attack, oral corticosteroids may only be taken for a few days in order not to create a dependency phenomenon.

The undesirable effects of inhaled corticosteroids are mainly local and not serious, such as the appearance of oral mycoses. To counteract this effect, it is sufficient to rinse the mouth thoroughly with water. The side effects of inhaled bronchodilators are rare and not serious. They may occasionally speed up the heart rate and may cause tremors for a short time.

What to do in case of overdose

In the event of a drug overdose, contact a healthcare professional or your local poison control centre immediately, even if there are no symptoms. Most of the time, an overdose manifests itself by the manifestation of side effects in an exacerbated manner due to taking the molecule in excess.

What are the alternative treatments for asthma?

There are a large number of so-called alternative or complementary treatments for the treatment of asthma. Very few of them have shown real results and so should not be used without your doctor’s approval. Amongst the most commonly cited is biotherapy, which consists of using monoclonal antibodies that neutralise certain inflammation molecules. The reduction of the inflammation phenomenon makes it possible to inhibit the appearance of attacks.

Another approach, bronchial thermoplasty, involves heating the smooth muscles of the bronchial tubes so that they are less likely to contract. Other things are mentioned as having a possible impact on triggering asthma attacks. These include certain foods, taking dietary supplements, osteopathy, acupuncture, homeopathy, spa treatments and taking up certain sports such as yoga.

Tips for buying an inhaler online

Before buying an inhaler in a shop, let alone online, you should ask yourself a number of questions beforehand:

The answers to these questions will help guide you, to the inhaler that best meets your needs. The type of inhaler, the accessories that must imperatively be provided, its weight, its ergonomics, its sound level, all criteria that you need to think about in order not to make a mistake.

Acting in case of an attack

In the event of an asthma attack, one of the most important rules is to keep calm because anxiety has the effect of making the attack worse. Make yourself comfortable on your own or, if possible, have someone else help you: sit down, breathe slowly and loosen your clothes if necessary. Be careful, lying down during an asthma attack is not recommended. Secondly, take your usual prescribed medication: corticosteroids and bronchodilators. If the treatment does not work, get yourself to a medical emergency room.

The treatment of asthma in children

Effective intake of the medication given requires optimal inhalation technique using an age-appropriate inhaler. The outcome is influenced by patient-specific factors and the characteristics of the inhaler. In children, the limiting factors are limited cooperation and differences in airway anatomy and breathing patterns. Knowledge of these factors is a prerequisite for the correct application of inhalation therapy in children.

While drug deposition can be as high as 20% in adults, it is low in children, especially in infants, where it is estimated to be 2% of the delivered dose. Thus, between 0 and 4 years of age, the use of metered dose inhalers coupled with an inhalation chamber with mask should be preferred. After 4 years of age, inhalers with an unmasked inhalation chamber can be considered. From the age of 10, the child can take the inhaler directly into his or her mouth. The nebuliser can be used at any age. Up to the age of 3, it is used with a mask and then with a mouthpiece. On the other hand, dry powder inhalers are reserved, depending on the model, for children from 6 or 8 years old.

Buy asthma inhaler without prescription legally in the UK and Ireland.