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Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Your asthma
             You’re in control

| Asthma |
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Managing your asthma
      As well as taking your prescribed inhalers regularly and correctly, it’s important to keep your
      symptoms under control to avoid any complications. Take a look at some practical advice
      that can help you to live life to the full.
      Medicine interaction                               the airways are sensitive to these changes in
      Some medicines may interact with your              temperature and humidity, and they react by
      asthma medicine, so always talk to your            getting narrower.
      GP, asthma nurse or Pharmacist before              Eat healthily
      you take another medicine, even an over-           Most people with asthma can eat a normal,
      the-counter medicine or complementary              healthy diet. Along with regular exercise, this
      treatments. If you’re taking other prescribed      can help you to maintain a healthy weight,
                              medicine that may          which may help keep your asthma symptoms
                              interact with asthma       under control.
     Top tip:                 medicines – which
                                                         Know your triggers
                              include some types of
  If you regularly                                       It’s important to identify possible asthma
                              beta-blockers, given to
   have asthma                help conditions such       triggers by making a note of where you are
 symptoms when                as high blood pressure     and what you’re doing when your symptoms
                              – your GP will monitor     get worse. Find out more about triggers in
  you exercise, it                                       our ‘Your guide to asthma triggers’ leaflet.
 may mean your                you and decide
                              whether the benefits of    Get vaccinated
 asthma isn’t well            taking both medicines      Certain infections can bring on symptoms.
controlled. Speak             outweigh the risks or      That’s why everyone with asthma is
   to your GP or              whether it’s better to     encouraged to have the annual flu jab and
asthma nurse who              consider an alternative.   the one-off pneumococcal vaccination. Visit
                            Stop smoking                 your local LloydsPharmacy to find out
can help you keep                                        about our vaccination service.
                            If you smoke you’ll get
     active.                                             Get a good night’s sleep
                            more symptoms and
                            need higher doses of         Asthma symptoms are often worse at night.
      your asthma preventer medicine to keep on          Controlling your asthma with prescribed
      top of them. If you want to kick the habit, ask    treatment during the day time should help,
      in store about our Stop Smoking Service.           but speak to your GP if you’re concerned.
      Exercise regularly                                 Reviews and monitoring
      Exercise can trigger asthma symptoms. You’re       You’ll have regular contact with your care
      more likely to breathe in through your mouth       team to talk about your symptoms, to look at
      during exercise – and this means the air is        if they’re affecting your normal activities, or
      colder and drier than when you breathe in          are getting worse. You’ll also have the chance
      through your nose (as your nostrils warm and       to discuss your medication and check that
      moisten the air). In some people with asthma,      you’re using your inhaler correctly.

      Sources: Asthma UK and NHS Choices
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Additional medication
In order to properly manage your                  a difference. If it doesn’t improve your
condition, you may need extra treatments          asthma within a few weeks, your GP may
alongside your preventer and reliever             stop it and try another one.
inhalers. Your GP might call these ‘add-on
                                                  Common add-on treatments include
treatments’ or ‘add-on therapies’ and they
                                                  leukotriene receptor antagonists
work in various ways, alongside
                                                  (LTRAs), theophylline and long-acting
your inhalers.
                                                  reliever inhalers.
Before prescribing an add-on treatment,
                                                  It’s really important to be honest with your
your GP or asthma nurse will check that
                                                  GP about how you’re feeling. It can be
you’re using your inhaler properly and
                                                  helpful to keep a diary while you’re trying
taking it every day, as directed.
                                                  an add-on treatment to track if symptoms
You’ll usually be prescribed one add-on           improve or get worse.
treatment at a time to see if it makes

Common add-on treatments
Leukotriene receptor                              Long-acting reliever inhalers
antagonists (LTRAs)                               There are two different types of long-acting
Sometimes called ‘preventer’ tablets,             reliever inhalers; long-acting beta agonists
LTRAs work by blocking one of the                 (LABA) and long-acting muscarinic receptor
chemicals that is released when you               antagonists (LAMA). They both keep your
come into contact with a trigger so are           airways open by relaxing the muscles
particularly effective if your asthma is          around them, which helps you breathe
triggered by exercise or allergies.               more easily. Plus, LAMA inhalers have also
                                                  been shown to reduce the amount of
Theophylline
                                                  mucus produced in your airways.
This medication works by relaxing the
muscles that surround the airways, making
it easier to breathe. If you’re prescribed this   If you’re prescribed any additional
medicine, you’ll need regular blood tests         medicines, it’s important that you
to check the levels are neither too high          use them alongside your usual
nor too low.                                      preventer inhaler.

Source: Asthma UK
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Living with asthma
Asthma is a long term condition for many people, particularly if it first develops in adulthood.
In children, it sometimes disappears or improves during the teenage years, although
it can return later in life.
While asthma can normally be kept under control, it’s still a serious condition that can
cause a number of complications. That’s why it’s important to follow your treatment
plan and not to ignore your symptoms if they’re getting worse.

As well as severe asthma attacks,
poorly controlled asthma can cause:
• Persistent tiredness
• Underperformance or absence from work or school
• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Lung infections (pneumonia)
• In children, delays in growth or puberty

Source: NHS Choices
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Out and about
Travelling with asthma
Asthma shouldn’t stop you from travelling, but it’s important to make sure you have
enough medication with you and also to keep your reliever inhaler where you can easily
get to it.
If you haven’t visited your GP or asthma nurse for a while, try to see them before you go
away so they can review your personal action plan and make sure it’s up to date.

At work
It’s important to know your triggers, as some workplaces can expose you to irritants such
as fumes, dust, or certain chemicals; cold air; physical activity or stress. Once you know
them, talk to your employer to work out a plan to avoid any triggers that are making your
asthma worse.
You can also discuss any patterns of symptoms and/or use of inhaler(s) when you are at
work with your GP or asthma nurse to see if they are linked, and they can advise you what
to do if they are.

Source: Asthma UK
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
The price of asthma
Most adults with asthma will need to pay a prescription charge for their medicines, but if you
need to take a lot of medication, paying for each item individually can get quite expensive.
Don’t forget, if you don’t normally pay prescription charges you won’t need to pay for your
asthma medicines, and all children under 16 are entitled to FREE prescriptions.
If you don’t feel that your medicine is worth the expense – remember, your preventer
medicine works in the long term to lower your risk of having an asthma attack, so you
should take it even when you feel well. If you take your preventer inhaler regularly, it
should reduce your need for the reliever inhaler. If you’re struggling with the costs of
your medicine, pre-payment certificates can save you money.

Claiming benefits
Depending on how severely asthma affects you on a daily basis, you may be entitled
to benefits.
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) is for those not able to work because
  of ill health or disability.
• Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit for people aged 16-64 that
  helps with some of the extra costs caused by long term ill health or a disability.
• Attendance Allowance helps with any extra costs you may have if you’re 65 or
  over with a physical or mental disability, and need someone to look after you.
• Those on a low income may also be entitled to some help with healthcare costs.

Useful websites
GOV.UK                          moneyadviceservice.org.uk                    asthma.org.uk
to find out more about          for advice about money                       for information about
benefits and industrial         issues if you’re ill or disabled.            financial support and
injuries disablement                                                         occupational asthma.
benefit.

Source: NHS Choices

                                                                    Lloyds Pharmacy Limited, Coventry CV2 2TX.

               For more information, go to LloydsPharmacy.com/asthma
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Understanding
             your symptoms

| Asthma |
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Know the signs
When you’re first diagnosed with asthma, it’s important to
understand the symptoms you may experience, and how best
to manage them.
Coughing
A persistent cough is a common symptom. It may be dry or contain mucus and get worse
at night, or after exercise.

Wheezing
Wheezing is a whistling sound that happens when you exhale. It results from air being
forced through narrow, constricted air passages.

Difficulty breathing
Breathing may become difficult if your airways become inflamed and constricted.
This can make you feel anxious, which in itself can make breathing more difficult.

Chest tightness
As the muscles surrounding your airways constrict, your chest may tighten. This can feel
like someone is tightening a rope around your upper torso.

Fatigue
During an asthma attack, less oxygen gets to the lungs, blood and muscles. Without
oxygen, fatigue sets in. If your asthma symptoms are worse at night and you have trouble
sleeping, you could feel tired during the day.

Nasal flaring
Nasal flaring is the enlargement and stretching of the nostrils during breathing. It’s often a sign
of difficulty breathing. This asthma symptom is most common in younger children and infants.

Sighing
Sighing is a natural physiological response when the lungs expand to full capacity. Because
asthma can constrict air flow into your body, you might sigh to get excess air into or out of
your body.

Anxiety
Anxiety can trigger an asthma attack, or be a symptom of an asthma attack. As your airways
start to narrow, your chest tightens and breathing becomes difficult, which can generate
anxiety. Being in a stressful situation can also sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.
Source: Healthline
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Rapid breathing
If you’re taking a breath every two seconds while at rest, it’s advised to get medical attention.
This is also applicable if you notice your child is breathing more rapidly than normal.

Retractions
More common in children than adults, retractions occur when the skin and muscles at the
base of the throat retract or sink in with each breath. This is a sign that someone is having
difficulty breathing, and it’s often caused by asthma.

Workout fatigue
If you have exercise-induced asthma symptoms, speak to your GP about taking medication
before you work out. Warming up, cooling down, and staying hydrated can also help.

Indigestion
While not a symptom of asthma itself, acid reflux can trigger asthma symptoms and
irritate your respiratory airways. Speak to your Pharmacist for advice about avoiding
certain foods, or taking medication to alleviate it.
Source: Everyday Health (March 2017)
Your asthma You're in control - LloydsPharmacy | Blog
Signs of an asthma attack
Not everyone who has asthma experiences asthma attacks, but it’s important to know
the early signs. They include:
• Severe coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Fatigue
• Itchiness
• Nervousness
• Irritability
Source: Healthline

Severe symptoms
Severe asthma attacks can be life threatening. So, don’t hesitate to call 999 for an
ambulance if a reliever inhaler fails to work after 10 to 15 minutes, or if any of the
following symptoms appear:
• Discoloured (blue or grey) lips, face, or nails
•	Extreme difficulty breathing, in which the neck and chest may be “sucked in” with
   each breath
• Difficulty talking or walking
• Mental confusion
• Extreme anxiety caused by breathing difficulty
• Fever of 100°F (37.7°C) or higher
• Chest pain
• Rapid pulse
Source: Healthline
Doctor, doctor
If you’re having repeated episodes of wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath you should
speak to your GP or asthma nurse and re-evaluate at your asthma management plan.

Although they should be able to diagnose and treat your asthma, if your symptoms don’t
respond to reliever and preventer inhalers, you may be referred to an asthma specialist for
further treatment.
When it’s not asthma
Occasionally, symptoms of asthma can apply to other medical conditions too.
These include:
  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which is an umbrella term
•	
  for chronic bronchitis and emphysema
• Pneumonia, an infection of the lungs
• Allergies
• Pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot inside the lung
• Heart attack
• Congestive heart failure
• Environmental pollutants (like dust)
• Obesity which causes shortness of breath
• Having a panic attack
  Hiatal hernia, in which part of the stomach pushes into the chest and affects
•	
  breathing
• Food aspiration, when food is sucked in to the respiratory tract while inhaling
• Tumours in the lungs or the chest
Source: Everyday Health

                                                              Lloyds Pharmacy Limited, Coventry CV2 2TX.

             For more information, go to LloydsPharmacy.com/asthma
Your guide to
             asthma triggers

| Asthma |
Breathe easy
Preventing an attack

To help you get to grips with asthma, it’s important to understand
your triggers and learn how best to manage them. Being armed
with this information makes it much easier to control your
condition and hopefully, avoid asthma attacks.

This leaflet explains the six main triggers of asthma.
Trigger one - Cigarette smoke
The chemicals in cigarettes irritate and inflame the airways and lungs. If you smoke
you’ll get more symptoms and need higher doses of your asthma preventer medicine
to keep on top of them. Being around other people smoking will also make your asthma
symptoms worse.
If you need assistance trying to kick the habit, the LloydsPharmacy Stop Smoking Service
can help. Visit your nearest store to find out more.

   Top tip: Using stop smoking treatments doubles your chances
                  of successfully giving up smoking. Discuss your
                  options with your GP, asthma nurse or Pharmacist.
                  Source: Asthma UK

E-cigarettes and asthma
While e-cigarettes are not risk-free, recent evidence suggests that they’re significantly
less harmful than tobacco cigarettes, both for those who smoke them, and those who are
around them. However, Asthma UK advises people with asthma to avoid inhaling anything
into their lungs which may be harmful.

                         82%
                                           of those with asthma say
                                           tobacco smoke worsens
                                           their symptoms
                                           Source: Asthma UK

   Top tip: If you live with a smoker, or have guests who smoke,
                  ask them to smoke outside, well away from the door so
                  the smoke doesn’t drift into the house. Remember that
                  even if people are smoking outside they’ll be bringing
                  particles in with them on their clothes.
                  Source: Asthma UK
Trigger two - Air pollution
We all breathe in harmful substances when pollution levels are high, but if you have
asthma, you’re more likely to feel the effects. This is because pollutants in dust, soot,
diesel and traffic fumes can quickly irritate your airways and trigger asthma symptoms.
Unsurprisingly, air pollution is worse in cities and around busy roads, particularly when
traffic is moving slowly. So, to help, try to avoid pollution hotspots like junctions, bus
stations and car parks on high pollution days. And if you’re visiting a busy city, it’s a
good idea to check the pollution levels before you go.
Source: Asthma UK

           Trigger three - The weather
Damp conditions, thunderstorms, heatwaves and a sudden change in temperature
are all common asthma triggers. Cold or damp air can enter your airways and trigger them
to go into spasm, causing asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of
breath and tightness in the chest.

Avoid a change in weather triggering your
asthma symptoms
• Take your medication exactly as prescribed
• Check with your GP or asthma nurse that you’re                     Top tip:
  using your inhaler(s) correctly                                   Try breathing
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast                             in through your
• Carry your reliever inhaler with you at all times                 nose instead
  and keep taking your preventer inhaler as prescribed             of your mouth,
  by your doctor                                                    as your nose
• Keep warm and dry                                                is designed to
                                                                  warm the air as
• Wrap a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth
  before you go out to help to warm up the air                   you breathe it in.
  before you breathe it in                                           Source: Asthma UK
Trigger four – Allergies
Pollen is a tiny powder-like substance produced by certain types of trees, grasses and weeds
which can be spread by insects and the wind. An allergy to all these types of pollen is known
as hay fever. Roughly 80% of people with asthma also have a pollen allergy – and their
asthma symptoms are triggered by pollen.
Source: Asthma UK

LloydsPharmacy’s Allergy Advice Service can recommend suitable medicines to take
during pollen season to keep hay fever under control. Speak to your Pharmacist to
find out more.
It’s advisable to get on top of your asthma during the hay fever season to reduce your
chance of triggering an attack.
• See your GP or asthma nurse at least once a year to check that your medication is
  still working for you.
• Fill in a written asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse, so you know what
  to do every day, when you’re feeling worse, and in an emergency.
• Take your preventer medicine every day, even when you’re feeling well, so your
  airways are less likely to react to pollen.
Source: LloydsPharmacy blog

     we’ll help
     make sure
     you can
     do this
Trigger five - Stress
Stress can make your airways more sensitive, which can increase your risk of asthma
symptoms. Also, if you’re stressed you may feel too busy to do the things that help
you stay well with your asthma, such as taking your medicines and going to regular
asthma reviews.
Another reason that stress can trigger asthma is because of people’s reaction to it. You
may lose your temper more easily, and anger itself is a trigger. Stress can also cause
people to drink or smoke more, both of which are asthma triggers in their own right.

Find ways to reduce stress can help
your asthma:                                                               Top tip:
Take some time out for you and do something you don’t                   If you know a
usually get time for. Taking a step back can help you to relax
                                                                     stressful situation
and to feel more in control.
                                                                        is coming up,
Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet with plenty of
fruit and vegetables. Try not to eat sugary, processed foods           talk to your GP
because these can cause your blood sugar levels to spike              or asthma nurse
which increases stress levels.                                       about how to deal
Do some gentle exercise like walking round the park.                  with any asthma
Or why not try yoga or go for a swim?                                   symptoms, or
Talk to friends or family about how you’re feeling as                how to stop them
sharing your concerns can make you feel calmer.
                                                                     developing in the
Source: Asthma UK
                                                                          first place.

           Trigger six - Food
Most people with asthma don’t need a special diet, but a small number are allergic to
certain foods, which can lead to an allergic reaction. This may bring on asthma symptoms
such as wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing. The most common food allergens for
asthmatics are:
Milk and milk products, eggs, nuts, including peanuts, fish and shellfish, wheat, seeds,
soya and food additives.
The signs and symptoms of a food allergy usually come up seconds or minutes after
you’ve come into contact with the allergen, but they can also come as much as 48 hours
later. Don’t forget, food allergies shouldn’t be confused with food intolerances, which don’t
trigger asthma symptoms.
                                                                 Lloyds Pharmacy Limited, Coventry CV2 2TX.

            For more information, go to LloydsPharmacy.com/asthma
Your inhalers and
              treatment guide

| Asthma |
Using inhalers
Most asthma medicines come inside inhalers so that you can take the medicine
into your lungs and it can go straight to your airways, where it’s needed.
Most people with asthma are prescribed the two main types:
1. Reliever inhaler (usually blue) to help relieve symptoms on the spot
when they happen.
2. Preventer inhaler which reduces inflammation in the airways to make
them less likely to cause symptoms or react to triggers.

                                    Top tip:
                                    Always rinse your mouth
                                    with water after using
                                    your inhaler to
                                    avoid soreness
                                    in your mouth.

Get it checked
Whatever type(s) of inhaler (and spacer) you’re using, it’s very important
that your inhaler technique is checked regularly – by your GP, asthma nurse
or a Pharmacist. If you’re using your inhaler(s) correctly, you’ll get the most
benefits from your medicine.

Source: Adult asthma leaflet
Administering your medication
Inhalers come in different designs, hold different types of medication,
and are administered in different ways.
Metered dose inhalers
These inhalers have a pressurized canister that contains medication which
fits into a boot-shaped plastic mouthpiece. Generally, medication is released
by pushing the canister into the boot. However, there is a type of metered
dose inhaler that releases medication automatically when you inhale.
Some metered dose inhalers have counters so that you know how many
doses remain. If there’s no counter, you’ll need to track the number of doses
you’ve used, or you can buy a separate electronic dose counter which tells
you when the inhaler is low on medication.
Dry powder inhaler
These inhalers release medication by breathing in a deep, fast breath,
rather than it being pushed by a chemical propellant out of the inhaler.
There are multiple-dose devices, which hold up to 200 doses, and single
dose devices, which you fill with a capsule before each treatment.
Spacers
Lots of people use a spacer with their metered dose inhaler, which is a large,
empty device, usually made out of plastic.

   Top tips for every day:
   • If your spacer or inhaler has a cap, store it with the cap
     on so that nothing can get stuck in the mouthpiece.
   • Don’t store your inhalers or spacer in a plastic bag or
     container as this can create static that will affect the
     way they work.
Other ways to
help your asthma
Alongside the use of medication, studies show that
several nutritional supplements may help control
asthma and reduce severe attacks.
Ginger is thought to help dilate airways, so your asthma medication is
more readily absorbed.
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to reduce the need for reliance on
reliever inhalers. Walnuts, salmon, and pumpkin seeds all contain omega-3.
Vitamin B6 has also shown to be beneficial, particularly for steroid
dependent for asthmatics, who experienced better breathing in the early
morning after taking it. Vitamin B6 can be found in many different foods,
including chicken, turkey, eggs, wholemeal grains and milk.
Vitamin C has been shown to reduce episodes of wheezing, particularly
in children. Oranges, strawberries, red peppers and potatoes are all good
sources of vitamin C.
Butterbur has an anti-inflammatory effect on the body and can reduce
muscle contraction in the airways that lead to wheezing and acute attacks.
Don’t forget, herbs and supplements may interact with other medications.
Check with your GP before taking any of these supplements.

Source: Asthma UK

For more information, go to LloydsPharmacy.com/asthma
Asthma: Know your facts
Diagnosing lung conditions                                              The difference between asthma and COPD
When GPs assess patients who are experiencing breathlessness,           Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease, affecting
a cough or other respiratory symptoms, they perform a breathing         around 10%. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is
test to determine how well the lungs are functioning. This involves     a chronic adult disease which encompasses emphysema and/or
measuring the amount of air that can be forcefully exhaled from         chronic bronchitis.
a full breath, through a device called a spirometer.
                                                                        Some patients can have both asthma and COPD and studies
Obstructive lung disease                                                show a direct connection between severity of asthma as a
In acute obstructive lung disease, such as asthma, the airways are      child and the occurrence of COPD later in life. This means that
temporarily narrowed, making it difficult to exhale. This can be in     children who have severe, persistent asthma are nearly 32 times
response to a trigger (e.g. pollen, dust mites or pet dander). After    at risk of COPD in adulthood.
treatment, breathing should go back to normal. In chronic obstructive
diseases like emphysema however, damage to the airways causes           Many people who develop COPD will need to continue to treat the
permanent narrowing. This does not respond very well to inhaled         inflammation caused by their asthma as well as add treatments
therapy, resulting in long term symptoms of breathlessness.             to manage the symptoms of COPD.

Restrictive lung disease                                                Smoking is the leading cause of COPD, with giving up cited as the
In restrictive lung diseases, like pulmonary fibrosis, the total        best way to slow down the progression of COPD.
volume of the lungs is reduced. Sometimes resulting in scarring         Source: American Lung Association
in the lung tissue, it can cause ‘stiffening’ of the lungs, typically
resulting in progressive breathlessness.
Source: Nursing Times Dec 2015

| Asthma |
Allergies and asthma
Did you know?
You’re more likely to have hay fever if you have asthma
Although around one in five people in the UK have hay fever (an allergy to pollen which causes a blocked or runny nose, sneezing and itchy
eyes), it’s much more common among people who have asthma. Around four out of five people with asthma also have hay fever.
Source: Asthma UK

If you have asthma, pollen’s not just a problem during the summer
This is because some trees can start releasing their pollen as early as January. Researching and knowing when certain pollens are about
can help you plan ahead and take your hay fever medicines at the right time.

You don’t have to put up with hay fever or asthma symptoms
Speak to your GP or asthma nurse – they may suggest including extra medicines during pollen season to keep your hay fever under control.
You can also visit your local LloydsPharmacy and speak to your Pharmacist who can recommend hay fever medicines and check your
inhaler technique.

Getting on top of your asthma is essential for the hay fever season
It’s virtually impossible to avoid pollen, so the best way to stop hay fever setting off your asthma symptoms is to get your asthma basics right:
• See your GP or asthma nurse at least once a year to check your medication is still working for you.
•	
  Fill in a written asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse, so you know what to do every day, when you’re feeling worse, and in
  an emergency.
• Take your preventer medicine every day, even when you’re feeling well, so your airways are less likely to react to pollen.

                           For more information, go to LloydsPharmacy.com/asthma
Helping you find
                  the support you need
             You can access a wealth of up-to-date advice and information to help
                             you when you’re living with asthma.

                Asthma UK                                           British Lung
    Asthma UK is a national charity that has a wide range
    of resources available to help those living with asthma
                                                                     Foundation
     better manage their condition. From asthma action               The British Lung Foundation runs
     plans to peak flow diaries, you’ll find a collection of       a network of over 200 ‘Breathe Easy’
                      handy tools to help.                           support groups for people living
           To access any of their resources, visit                         with lung conditions.
          www.asthma.org.uk/advice/resources/
         Asthma UK also has a helpline where you
       can get independent, confidential advice from
                                                                 Speak to the team today
                 friendly asthma specialists.
                                                                03000 030 555
          Speak to an expert nurse
        0300 222 5800
           Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

                                                                HealthUnlocked

        Your online
                                                                HealthUnlocked is a social network for health.
                                                                    By finding others with similar health

    asthma community
                                                                 backgrounds, you can take on day-to-day
                                                                          health concerns together.

         Swap ideas at www.facebook.com/AsthmaUK                 What’s more, its communities are set up by
                                                                leading health organisations, so you can rest
         Get information and tips at www.asthma.org.uk          assured you’ll have access to credible support.
         Find the latest news and asthma weather alerts
         on Twitter: @AsthmaUK

         Sign up for Asthma UK email updates                   Visit healthunlocked.com
         www.asthma.org.uk/sign-up

| Asthma |
F ind local services
                                                               New Medicine Service
Your local asthma clinic                                       This is a FREE NHS-funded service that can help you understand
                                                               your condition and how taking your newly prescribed medicine
                                                               will help you manage it.

           Visit the NHS choices                               Medicines Check Up
                                                               This is a FREE NHS-funded service, which allows you to
         website to find your nearest                          have a private consultation with our Pharmacist about your
           local asthma services                               medicines. It’s different to your annual review with your GP as
                                                               it focuses on increasing your knowledge and understanding of
    www.nhs.uk/service-search                                  what you take and why you take them.

                                                               Stop Smoking Service
                                                               We can help you kick the habit with our FREE NHS Stop Smoking
                                                               Service, where you can receive ongoing personal consultations with
LloydsPharmacy services                                        a Pharmacist, as well as product recommendations to suit you.
Respiratory Support Service                                    Flu Vaccinations
We offer FREE, confidential advice on how you can control      Over 700 LloydsPharmacy stores now offer travel vaccinations
your symptoms and get the most out of your asthma medicines.   and NHS-funded flu jabs. You can also visit our Online
What’s more, we’ll check your inhaler technique and help you   Doctor website for a FREE assessment to make sure you are
manage your medicines so you get the most from them.           protected. Simply go to OnlineDoctor.LloydsPharmacy.com

                       For more information, go to LloydsPharmacy.com/asthma
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