Asthma

Your inhalers are prescribed by your GP or asthma nurse, but we can help day to day — checking your inhaler technique, supplying spacers such as the AeroChamber Plus, and advising on side effects or anything you're unsure about. If your asthma seems less well controlled, we'll point you to the right help quickly.

A spacer is a chamber that attaches to a pressurised (aerosol) inhaler. It holds the puff of medicine so you can breathe it in steadily, helping more of it reach your lungs and less stay in your mouth — which also reduces the risk of a sore mouth or oral thrush with steroid inhalers. Spacers are especially useful for children.

Wash it in warm, soapy water and leave it to air-dry rather than rubbing the inside, and check the valve moves freely. Follow the leaflet for how often to clean and replace yours — most spacers should be replaced about once a year. Our pharmacist can show you how to use and care for it properly.

No — asthma inhalers are prescription-only medicines in the UK, so we can't sell them over the counter. If you've run out and can't get a prescription in time, speak to our pharmacist: in some circumstances we can arrange an emergency supply of a medicine you've had before. Otherwise contact your GP practice or NHS 111.

If you're using your reliever inhaler (usually blue) three or more times a week, your asthma may not be well controlled — book a review with your GP or asthma nurse. Call 999 if you have an asthma attack and your reliever isn't helping, you're too breathless to speak, or your symptoms are getting worse quickly.