I’m busy. Do I Really Need to Have an Asthma Review?
An asthma review is an essential part of good lung health and a great way to monitor your asthma. Just like a car getting its MOT it’s important to get your asthma checked by a professional to make sure nothing has changed or worsened. It is also a good chance to discuss your inhaler usage and general lung health. Similar to a medication review your Doctor will also look at any other medication you are taking to check you aren’t likely to have any interactions [1].
How Often Should I be Having an Asthma Review?
Ideally you should be seeing your Doctor or GP for an asthma review every year. You may be reminded by your GP surgery or you can call up and book for yourself. If your asthma is difficult, severe or has changed significantly you can always book in sooner. At e-Surgery we would always suggest seeing your Doctor if there is any change to your usual asthma symptoms so that we can be sure you are getting the correct medication from us [2].
What Can I Discuss at my Asthma Review?
There are a few points your Doctor will likely want to cover when you are there. For example:
• If your symptoms have changed or are getting in the way of your life
• If you have had any asthma attacks in the last year
• Adjusting your inhaler usage or technique if necessary
An important part of any medical review is evaluating any other medication you might be on and how they could interact with each other. This is particularly important for those who take multiple medications.
Each prescribed drug will have been tested in isolation rather than in combination with other substances. This can result in your medication reacting and canceling out, creating new and unpleasant symptoms, or even causing serious harm [3]. These drug interactions can be life-threatening, and patients are advised by the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS) to regularly request your pharmacist checks your prescription for potentially dangerous combinations.
If you have any questions about your asthma or any interactions there might be between different medications feel free to use our Ask a Pharmacist service. Our UK registered medical professionals will happily answer any questions you might have or provide you with an idea of what to do next. If you have any serious changes to your asthma or lung health you should always contact your doctor or GP.
What Should I Bring to an Asthma Review?
To make the most of your asthma review it’s important to be prepared. Bring along any inhalers or medication you may be taking as well as a list of any questions you might have. In order for your doctor to get a better understanding of how to best help you it is a good idea to keep track of any asthma attacks or issues you have had to help recognise any patterns or changes.
What Are The Dangers of Not Going to my Asthma Review?
Delaying or not attending a yearly asthma review could mean that changes in your asthma are not noticed until it becomes far more serious. It could also mean you are taking the wrong medication and potentially risking an asthma attack. Don’t delay your asthma review, just get it done!
Another way to reduce the risk of an asthma attack is to make sure inhaler stays clean, this will also make it last longer.
Find out how to clean a Salbutamol (Ventolin) inhaler here.
Find out how to clean a Clenil modulite inhaler here.
Once you have had your asthma review you will have a better understanding of how to manage and control your asthma symptoms and which medication is best for you. Some examples of inhalers your doctor may prescribe are:
Ventolin Inhaler: The Ventolin Inhaler is used to treat asthma and works by opening up the airways to make it easier to breathe. It is used for quick relief of symptoms and is otherwise known as the blue ‘reliever’ inhaler.
Clenil Modulite Inhaler: Clenil Modulite is an inhaler that is used to treat asthma. It is known as a ‘preventer’ as it prevents inflammation of the airways.
Sources
- Dangers of delaying your medication review | e-Surgery
- Asthma reviews | Asthma UK
- Pharmacists call for regular reviews of medicines | BBC
Further Reading
- Asthma | NHS
- Steroid Inhalers | NHS
