Asthma sufferers are being warned that their treatment plan may be changing as new recommendations urge a change in inhaler use. The soaring pollen levels could spell trouble for countless Brits prone to hayfever but also the five and a half million people with asthma, particularly those using inhalers as part of their treatment.
Pollen won't affect all asthma patients but the upcoming pollen bomb may trigger worsening symptoms in some including coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath that will see them reaching for their inhalers more often.
However, those using inhalers are being alerted about new guidance and rules that have been drawn up by the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network and the British Thoracic Society, particularly regarding over-dependence.
The new guidance refers to those using reliever inhalers such as salbutamol (Ventolin) as it encourages people to switch to combination inhalers that contain both relievers and preventers.
The guidance is due to be published by the end of the year, and Brits can read the draft proposals here, which mimic recommendations made by Global Initiative for Asthma two years ago after flagging concerns that people overuse relievers such as salbutamol which can cause side effects.
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Salbutamol, a common asthma medication, offers temporary relief by opening up the lungs' constricted airways. However, its effects are short-lived, typically lasting less than four hours, and it doesn't address the underlying inflammation that triggers asthma.
Alongside relievers like Salbutamol, doctors often prescribe preventer inhalers, usually inhaled steroids, to treat the inflammation and sensitivity causing the symptoms. Asthma patients are urged to continue using their preventer inhalers even when they're symptom-free.
Yet, a recent Swedish study tracking nearly 400,000 asthma patients discovered that one-third overused their reliever, while a quarter hadn't picked up a single prescription for their preventer inhaler during the same timeframe.
Dr Mark Porter, writing in The Times, reassured that heavy use of a reliever inhaler doesn't necessarily mean overuse or dependence, but could indicate severe asthma.
However, he pointed out: "In most cases it indicates that you are not on the right/enough medication - either because you are not taking it as prescribed or you haven't been prescribed it."
He suggested that those with mild or moderate asthma should always have their inhalers on hand, but shouldn't need to use them too frequently.
Dr Porter also explained that new guidelines will see patients receiving combination inhalers that can be used in the same way as relievers but also treat the underlying cause while providing temporary relief.
For those concerned about over-reliance on their asthma inhaler, Dr Porter recommended "taking regular doses of preventer as prescribed" and to visit their GP or asthma nurse if they still require their reliever.
In addition, he stressed the importance of correct inhaler use, stating that "poor technique" is one of the main reasons for poorly managed asthma.
Dr Porter also offered advice for individuals dealing with combined asthma and hay fever conditions suggesting daily antihistamines, steroid nasal sprays and eye drops to alleviate hay fever symptoms, which could consequently help manage their asthma.
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