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Asthma is a condition affecting the airways. Sometimes, it is harder for people with asthma to breathe in and out.

Asthma is a long-term disease and there is currently, no cure. However, when managed well, most people living with asthma can lead full and active lives. 

Allergies occur when our body overreacts to a 'trigger' or allergen that is harmless to most people. Common reactions include itchiness, sneezing and difficulty breathing. Symptoms or conditions caused by allergies include hay fever, eczema, hives and asthma. Treatment for allergies depends on the type and severity of the allergic reaction.

Anaphylaxis is a severe reaction that requires emergency treatment. Pharmacists can help you prepare an anaphylaxis management plan and ensure that you are best equipped for any potential future anaphylactic reactions that may occur. 

In Queensland, prescribing pharmacists who have completed additional education are able to provide a private consultation for eligible patients to assess your condition and where appropriate, prescribe medications to improve your symptom control for asthma, eczema and allergic rhinitis.* Consultation fees apply.

Click the link below to book your Pharmacist Consultation appointment online:

Medicines

Medicines are necessary to manage asthma well. The two main types of medicines are relievers and preventers. Usually, these medicines are in inhalers (or puffers). For medication to work optimally, it is important to use inhalers correctly. Pharmacists can provide assistance and coaching in correct inhaler technique.

Reliever medications work by relaxing the muscles in the airways and should be used when you are experiencing symptoms, or for some people, before exercise. Everyone with asthma needs their own reliever puffer with them at all times. Most relievers are available over the counter. 

Preventers work by reducting inlammation in the airways and should be used daily. Preventers reduce the frequency of flare ups and the need to use relievers. If you need to use your reliever regularly, we will recommend that your prescriber reviews and assesses your preventer medication. When using preventers, you should rinse your mouth after each use to reduce the likelihood of experiencing oral thrush. If required, oral thrush can be treated using topical antifungal medicines, available over the counter. To ensure that you achieve the best health outcomes, it is important to use your preventers regularly. Our prescription reminder service may be of assistance to you. 

Using a spacer makes puffer use easier and ensures more medicine gets into the lungs. Spacers are recommended for all children and for all adults using preventer puffers. Children are best using a mask with their spacer. Spacers should be washed with warm, soapy water monthly and replaced yearly or sooner if damaged.

People who wish to know more about their medicines may be eligible to receive a funded medicines review (MedsCheck) with our pharmacists.  

Click the link below to book your Medication Review (MedsCheck) appointment online:

Management

A trigger is something that can cause a flare up in asthma symptoms and everyone has different triggers. Common triggers include colds and flu, allergies, cigarette smoke and breathing cold, dry air. 

Colds and flu are the most common triggers for asthma flare ups. The best flu prevention is yearly vaccination. 

Click the link below to book your Flu Vaccination appointment online:

Allergies, eczema and asthma are closely linked. Hay fever or allergic rhinitis can often trigger asthma. Non-drowsy antihistamines are available over the counter and are useful for mild, intermittent allergic symptoms but for persistent symptoms, a preventative approach should be considered, like a steroid nasal spray. Pharmacists can help you to best manage your allergies.

Similarly, ask our pharmacists to help you best manage eczema.

People with asthma have even more reason to stop smoking than those without asthma. Stopping smoking with improve lung health. 

If cold, dry air is a trigger for your asthma, use of a vapouriser could be considered.

Everyone with asthma should have a written asthma action plan. Our pharmacists can help you document your plan and provide appropriate asthma first aid advice. 

If you are unwell and unable to atend work, our pharmacists can assess your condition, provide advice on how to best manage your symptoms and speed up recovery and can provide you with a sick leave certificate. 

*Eligibility criteria for pharmacist prescribing services allows pharmacists to identify asthma and improve symptom management in people aged 16-65 years, treat allergic and non-allergic rhinitis in people aged over 6 years and manage mild to moderate eczema in people 6 months-65 years. Consultation fees apply. Medication prescribed by pharmacists is not currently PBS-subsidised.