Asthma/COPD Treatment

Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are long-term lung conditions that make it harder to breathe.

• Asthma happens when the airways become inflamed and narrow. This can lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Triggers might include dust, pollen, cold air or exercise.

• COPD is a group of diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. It is often caused by long-term exposure to things like cigarette smoke or air pollution. People with COPD may have a persistent cough, produce more mucus than usual and find it harder to breathe over time.

There is no cure for asthma or COPD, but with the right treatment, the symptoms can be managed. Medication and lifestyle changes can help you breathe more easily and reduce the risk of flare-ups.

Some natural methods can help support lung health:

• Avoid things that trigger symptoms, like smoke, dust, or pollution

• Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruit, vegetables and omega-3s

• Stay active, but at a level that's safe for you

• Practise breathing exercises, like belly breathing or pursed-lip breathing

Always speak to your doctor before trying new treatments.

Treatment is different for each person, but may include:

• Bronchodilators to relax the muscles around your airways

• Steroid inhalers to reduce inflammation

• Quick-relief inhalers for flare-ups

• Long-term inhalers or tablets to manage your condition daily

In more serious cases, your doctor might suggest tablets, injections or additional therapies.

Asthma and COPD treatments can be taken in different ways:

• Inhalers, including metered-dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers or nebulisers

• Tablets or capsules, for longer-term control

• Injections, which are sometimes used for severe symptoms

Inhalers are the most common, as they deliver medicine straight to your lungs.

Yes, most asthma and COPD medicines require a prescription. At PharmXtra, you can complete a simple online consultation, and a registered independent prescriber will assess whether treatment is right for you. If approved, your medicine will be delivered quickly and discreetly to your door.