Asthma/COPD Treatment

If you have been diagnosed with bronchial asthma or COPD, you can buy asthma inhalers online without visiting your GP. We offer a full range of Relievers (to treat symptoms now) and Preventers (to stop symptoms returning).

Quick Inhaler Finder: Which Type Do You Need?

Find your prescribed inhaler type below based on colour and function:

Video: Understanding Your Asthma Inhaler

Not sure which inhaler does what? Watch our guide to understanding the difference between the blue asthma inhaler (reliever) and brown preventers.

Asthma is a long-term respiratory condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It affects people of all ages and often starts in childhood (childhood asthma)^[1].

It is caused by inflammation of the airways. This makes the tubes highly sensitive, so they temporarily narrow when exposed to asthma triggers. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics and environmental factors (like pollution) play a role^[2].

Types of Asthma

• Allergic Asthma: Triggered by allergens like pollen, dust mites, or animal fur.
• Exercise-Induced Asthma: Symptoms worsen during or after physical activity or in cold air.
• Occupational Asthma: Caused by inhaling irritants (fumes, chemicals, dust) at work^[3].
• Severe / Brittle Asthma: A rare, unpredictable form where severe attacks can happen suddenly.

Common Symptoms

The most common symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, and chest tightness^[4]. Sadly, on average, asthma leads to three deaths every day in the UK^[5], highlighting the importance of effective treatment.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the name for a group of lung conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Doctors often use a COPD test (spirometry) to diagnose the condition.

Unlike asthma, COPD mainly affects middle-aged or older adults who smoke. In fact, nearly 90% of COPD-related deaths are linked to smoking^[6]. COPD treatment focuses on managing symptoms to improve quality of life.

While there is no cure, effective asthma treatments can keep symptoms under control.

1. Reliever Inhalers (Bronchodilators)

Usually blue. Containing beta-agonists like Salbutamol. Everyone with asthma should have a reliever. You take this only when you have symptoms to relax the muscles around your airways quickly. It is your essential emergency asthma inhaler.

2. Preventer Inhalers (Steroids)

Usually brown, orange, or red. Containing corticosteroids (inhaled steroids). You use these every day to reduce sensitivity and inflammation. They are the key asthma preventer inhaler to stop attacks before they start.

3. Combination Inhalers

Usually purple or red/white. These contain both a steroid preventer and a long-acting bronchodilator to keep airways open for longer (up to 12 hours).

4. Tablets & Add-ons

If inhalers aren't enough, doctors may prescribe asthma tablets like Montelukast or Carbocisteine (to thin mucus in COPD).

We stock a wide range of inhalers and tablets. Use this list to check if we carry your prescribed medication and its active ingredients.

The Asthma Action Plan

An asthma action plan is a personalised guide created with your doctor or asthma nurse. It outlines your daily treatment and what steps to take if symptoms worsen. You can download a free template from Asthma + Lung UK.

Beyond medication, lifestyle changes can significantly improve lung function.

• Quit Smoking: As the leading cause of COPD, quitting is the single most effective step to stop lung damage^[7].
• Regular Exercise: Studies show physical activity can improve asthma control and quality of life^[8]. However, speak to your doctor first if you have exercise induced asthma^[9].
• Breathing Exercises: Techniques like diaphragmatic breathing may help reduce symptoms^[10].

Living with a chronic lung condition can also impact your mental health. If you are struggling, support is available.

Keeping your inhaler clean ensures it works properly when you need it. Aim to clean it once a week.

1. Remove the metal canister from the plastic casing (do not wash the metal canister).
2. Take off the mouthpiece cover.
3. Rinse the plastic casing under warm running water.
4. Allow it to air dry completely before reassembling.
5. Once dry, reinsert the canister, shake the inhaler, and release one test spray.

Asthma inhalers can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Using your inhaler correctly helps minimise the risk.

Reliever Inhalers (e.g. Salbutamol)

• Common: Headache, feeling shaky (tremors).
• Uncommon: Muscle cramps, throat irritation.
• Rare: Fast heartbeat (palpitations) or low potassium.

Preventer Inhalers (Steroids)

• Common: Oral thrush, hoarse voice, or sore throat. (Rinsing your mouth after use helps prevent this).
• Uncommon: Mild allergic reactions like rash or redness.

If you experience severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek medical attention immediately.

Using your inhaler technique correctly is vital. If it is poor, the medicine hits the back of your throat instead of your lungs.

Top Tips:

• Use a Spacer: For spray inhalers (MDIs), using a spacer device makes it much easier to inhale the medicine effectively.
• Check the Type: Some are "Breath Actuated" (you just breathe in), while others require you to press and breathe simultaneously. Check the leaflet or ask our pharmacists.

You aren't alone. See how others manage their asthma and stay active.

UK Meds Asthma Resource Hub