Hello everyone
Our coloring competition is going really well. If you have not come in to collect one yet pop in and if
your done come in and drop them off. The cut off day is end of May. We will have our in-store
voting during June. Many of you will see our locum pharmacist Raj working at the pharmacy since I
am away in Europe for a couple of months. I look forward to seeing you after my trip.
Does your Asthma control you or do you control your Asthma?
Asthma is a common condition in New Zealand affecting people of all ages and
nationalities. Feeling wheezy, as asthma is commonly known includes shortness of breath,
a tight chest and cough, particularly at night time. Symptoms any one of us can well do
without. The good news is that asthma can be controlled effectively with regular medicines
and some lifestyle changes.
The airways that take air to the lungs over-react to certain trigger factors in people with
asthma. These triggers cause the airways to become narrower making it harder for air to
go in and out. This causes a wheeze - the whistle like sound when breathing.
Triggers can cause inflammation of breathing passages through swelling and the build up
of mucus, and cause the muscles around the airways to contract. This, in turn, obstructs
the passage of air and can bring on an asthma attack.
Trigger factors can include allergy to house dust mites, pollens or moulds, as well as
infections and air pollutants like cigarette smoke and other fumes.” says XXXX “Cold air,
sudden temperature change, exercise, emotional stress, excitement, medicines and food
additives may also trigger asthma in some people. Identifying what triggers your asthma
will also help you manage it. For example, dust mite allergy can be avoided by using
special pillow and mattress covers and bedding should be washed in hot water and aired
regularly in the sun
There are two main groups of medicines to treat asthma. Relievers help by opening the
breathing tubes and by relaxing the tightened muscle during an attack. They should be
used only during an attack or to treat wheeziness. Preventer medicines are more important
in asthma because they reduce the swelling and mucus build-up in the breathing tubes
and prevent muscles tightening around them.
Many people successfully balance the use of their preventer and reliever medicines by
using an action plan which can be prepared with the help of their doctor or pharmacist. If
you think you have asthma, or if you already have asthma and would like to know more
feel free to come in and have a chat to us. Ask for your free copy of the Self-Care fact.
Take care,
Sam Patel
Greenhithe Care Chemist