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Tag: asthma medication

  • Ventolin To Salamol: How To Switch From One Asthma Medication To Another

    Ventolin To Salamol: How To Switch From One Asthma Medication To Another

    In many European countries today, studies show that patients use as few as 13% of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). This is different for England, which utilizes roughly 70% pMDIs. The majority of these inhalers, such as Ventolin, are specifically designed for relief purposes. The NHS Long Term Plan aims to reduce carbon footprint by up to 51% before the end of 2025. One effective way to make this happen is by having patients switch from using MDIs to DPIs. This move alone is effective in reducing carbon footprint by up to 4%.

    Ventolin

    While metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are effective, using their alternatives, such as dry powdered inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs) can also work effectively for patients. Interestingly, many asthma patients can easily and safely take the shift from pMDIs to these alternative asthma medications, which will also support the NHS’s Long Term Plan.

    Understanding what metered dose inhaler (MDI) means

    Metered dose inhalers (MDIs), also known as aerosol inhalers, are effective respiratory devices used for frequently providing asthma treatments. This type of asthma medication comes with a plastic container that features a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece houses the pressurized medicinal canister, which helps to deliver a reliable and measured dose of medicine through the mouthpiece when sprayed.

    What exactly are dry-powdered Inhalers (DPIs)?

    As earlier mentioned, dry-powdered inhalers are also effective for asthma treatment. Like MDIs, DPIs can help you deliver asthma medicine directly into a patient’s lungs.

     

    Research has it that Salbutamol, which is administered as Ventolin or Salamol, provides a similar bronchodilator response. As such, GPs are taking steps to switch blue Salbutamol inhaler prescriptions from Ventolin to Salamol. One big reason is that MDI inhalers contain high levels of hydrofluorocarbons. Unfortunately, when released into the atmosphere, these hydrofluorocarbons can act as greenhouse gases, causing global warming.

     

    Unlike Ventolin inhalers, Salamol inhalers have a canister that’s very small in size. While both inhalers carry the same asthma medication – salbutamol, Salamol only releases a small amount of this medication, all thanks to its small canister. Also, Salamol inhalers are known to contain less propellant. So, in all, these inhalers are environmentally friendly. They are effective for decreasing the carbon footprint and managing asthma symptoms effectively. The only thing usual is the taste, which is very different from what you’re used to when using MDIs, such as Ventolin.

    Effect of global warming

    Global warming is the long-term warming of the temperature of the entire planet. This situation often leads to different changes in climate, including the following:

     

    • Hotter temperatures
    • Severe & frequently occurring storms
    • Warming rise in oceans
    • Extended pollen seasons
    • Increased drought
    • Loss of species & lack of enough food

     

    According to the World Health Organization, the effect of climate change due to global warming is one big health concern facing humanity. For instance, extended pollen seasons due to climate change could increase human’s exposure to pollen. Unfortunately, this can lead to several allergic reactions, which will significantly affect asthma patients.

    asthma treatment
    asthma treatment

     

    According to recent studies, prolonged exposure to pollen has a strong connection with asthma attacks and frequent hospital admission rates. This explains why roughly half of the $3 billion in annual medical costs for pollen goes to prescription drugs. Furthermore, increased pollen concentration and prolonged exposure can up a patient’s sensitivity to allergens, leading to asthma attacks.

    Tips on how to switch from Ventolin to Salamol inhalers

    The bottom line is that you need to support the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint and prevent global warming. Interestingly, you can do this by switching from Ventolin to Salamol inhalers.

     

    Below are a few best practices taken by GPs to switch from Ventolin to Salamol inhalers:

     

    • Local GPs switch to Salamol by sending their patients an AccuRx SMS message. This message keeps patients informed about the effects of the high carbon footprint of their Ventolin inhalers. It also informs them of the importance of switching to a more environment-friendly Ventolin alternative, such as Salamol.
    • Furthermore, GPs take steps to swap from Ventolinfor Salamol inhalersby discussing the importance of environment-friendly Ventolin alternatives during a patient’s annual asthma review.
    • The best practices also include talking to patients about the overuse of MDIs or reliever inhalers and the importance of switching to sustainable alternatives.

     

  • Best Diets For Asthma: Do The Foods You Eat Matter?

    Best Diets For Asthma: Do The Foods You Eat Matter?

    Asthma, also known as bronchial asthma, is a common chronic lung disease. According to recent studies, over 5.4 million people in the United Kingdom currently battle asthma. Today, one effective way to prevent or manage asthma symptoms is by using relevant asthma medications, such as this Ventolin Inhaler.

     

    Furthermore, recent studies also point out that certain foods may be effective in strengthening the immune system of asthma sufferers. Some foods are also said to be effective in promoting long function, reducing symptoms, or increasing a person’s risk of having asthma.

     

    Sulfite is one of the many ingredients present in wine, beer, and many other food products. But do you know that this food preservative is a trigger for some people’s asthma? Dairy products and wheat are a few other foods to consider when talking about asthma and its symptoms. Read on to discover everything you need to know about the worst and best diets for asthma.

    Best diets for asthma

    In addition to your asthma medication, certain foods are evident to be effective in managing asthma symptoms and preventing further issues. Below are a few reliable food nutrients you should focus on today:

    1.   Vitamin C

    According to some studies, Vitamin C, a water-soluble vitamin, is very good and reliable for asthma patients. You can get vitamin C from different fruits and vegetables, including the following:

     

    • Oranges and grapefruit
    • Kiwi fruit
    • Broccoli
    • Peppers (red and green)
    • Strawberries
    • Cantaloupe
    • Potatoes (baked)
    • Tomatoes
    • Fresh vegetables
    Ventolin Inhaler
    Ventolin Inhaler

    2.   Vitamin D (supplements and foods)

     

    • You can get vitamin D in foods and supplements. While there are no particular vitamin D foods advised for asthma, some evidence points out that low vitamin D levels in children and adults could lead to higher risks of asthma attacks.

     

    • Furthermore, there is evidence that taking daily vitamin D supplements can reduce a patient’s risk of being admitted to the hospital for a serious asthma attack.

     

    • Another good thing about vitamin D, pointed out by recent studies, is that it could reduce colds and other upper respiratory infections. It could also promote healthy lungs.

     

    That said, the following are some of the best vitamin D diets for asthma:

     

    • Mushrooms
    • Liver
    • Cheese
    • Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna)
    • Egg yolks

     

    3.   Vitamin E

    In addition to your asthma treatment, vitamin E can also help you manage asthma symptoms the right way. Some foods you can consider focusing on include:

     

    • Broccoli and sunflower seeds
    • Nuts – almonds, hazelnuts, and peanuts
    • Cereal, fruit juice, spreads, margarine, and other fortified foods

     

    4.   Beta carotene

    Beta carotene is also evident to be great for managing asthma symptoms. You can find this nutrient in different types of foods, including red fruits, vegetables, and oranges. Some good examples are carrots, sweet potatoes, peppers (yellow and red), apricots, cantaloupe, spinach, kale, squash, and many more.

    5.   Antioxidants

    Antioxidants are known for their ability to counter oxidants and reduce the attacks of external forces, such as viruses and bacteria in the lungs. This role is essential for modulating the development of asthma. Selenium and flavonoids are two examples of antioxidants that can help reduce asthma symptoms.

    6.   Grains (whole)

    Whole grains, such as whole oats, buckwheat, whole wheat pasta, and bulgur wheat, are good for asthma patients.

    Diets to avoid asthma

    As earlier mentioned, certain foods and beverages can increase your chances of having asthma. When focusing on your asthma treatment, ensure to stay away from these food items for healthy living.

     

    • Sulfites, which are present in most wines and beers, are bad for asthma patients.
    • Avoid salicylates
    • Allergens
    • Fast foods from heavy processes are not good for asthma patients.