NELFT Children's Asthma Service

01/03/2018

It is essential with the cold weather to stay safe - please take note of this video published by Asthma UK prmoting the scarfie campaign! Remember preventers daily, relievers as required (before heading out in the cold if you need to head out) stay warm and stay inside if possible and always relate to your asthma management plan. If in doubt seek medical advise.

21/12/2017

Merry Christmas to you all from the NELFT children's Asthma Service. Remember to continue to look after your asthma over the festive season, revert to your asthma plans as needed. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year!

03/12/2017

As the weather gets colder remember to use your reliever inhaler before heading outside if cold air is one of your triggers!!! https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=509511466074679&id=389922658033561

19/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Know what to do in an asthma attack!

You can tell you’re having an asthma attack if:
Your reliever inhaler isn’t helping
You have to keep using your reliever inhaler as the effect wears off quickly
Your symptoms are getting worse
You’re too breathless to speak, eat or sleep
Often, using your reliever inhaler will be enough to relieve your symptoms when you start having an attack.
Sometimes, symptoms are more severe and urgent action is needed. What to do:
Take one to two puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), immediately.
Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths.
If you do not start to feel better, take two puffs of your reliever inhaler (one puff at a time) every 30 - 60 seconds. You can take up to ten puffs.
If you do not feel better after taking your inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999.
If an ambulance does not arrive within 10 minutes and you are still feeling unwell take another one puff of your reliever inhaler every 30-60 seconds up to ten puffs whil;st you wait for the ambulance to arrive.

19/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Eat healthily and exercise!!
Eating a healthy diet with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables and less additives may help with asthma in the long term. A diet that includes a high level of nutrients can also boost the immune system and help ward off colds and flu - both of which are common asthma triggers. It also helps if you stay trim. Losing weight can help in managing asthma, and combined with a more active lifestyle, can also help to improve lung function.

18/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Cleaning your Spacer Device!!

Clean when new before use and every 4-6 weeks unless visibly soiled

1. Remove the metal canister from the plastic casing of the inhaler and remove the mouthpiece cover.

2. Rinse the plastic casing thoroughly under warm running water.

3. Dry the plastic casing thoroughly inside and out by leaving to air dry. DO NOT use cloths as may cause abrasion/ static.

4. Put the metal canister into the plastic casing, test it by releasing a single puff into the air and replace the mouthpiece cover.

18/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Make sure you have regular reviews!!
Because asthma is a long-term condition it is essential to have a regular review of your symptoms, meications, inhaler technique and asthma plan. This review should be at least once every year however if you have just been diagnosed or if you’ve been unwell with your asthma this may need to be more frequent. We are always happy to discuss new referrals!!

17/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Have a written personal action plan!! The plan will contain information about how to manage your symptoms, your asthma medicines, how to tell when your symptoms are getting worse and what you should do about it. You can download a copy of Asthma UK’s ‘Your asthma action plan here:

Managing your asthma well will significantly cut your risk of an asthma attack.

17/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Avoid oral thrush and/or a sore throat after using a preventer inhaler that contains steroids!!

Brush your teeth, rinse out your mouth or gargle and spit out, after using your preventer inhaler. This not only helps to prevent a sore mouth/ oral thrush when using preventer therapies but helps keep teeth and gums healthy!

We also find this works well as forming part of a routine so as you remember to take your inhaler at the same time morning and night.

Use a spacer with your preventer inhaler and make sure you have had your inhaler tecchnique checked.

17/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Take care in cold weather
Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing and shortness of breath. Be especially careful in winter. Be cautious going out on very cold, windy days. If you go out, wear a loose fitting scarf over your nose and mouth. Be extra careful about taking your regular medications. Keep rescue inhalers close by and in a warm place.

16/11/2017

Self care Tip - Peak flow testing can assist in identifying changes in your lung function which can help with asthma management. Noting your peak flow reading every day can help you stay well with your asthma and reduce your risk of an asthma attack.

For young person's over the age of 12 an adult asthma plan can incorporate peak flow readings and instructions of what to do at various points. We are happy to advise you regarding peak flow monitoring should you require this.

16/11/2017

Self Care Tip - Always shake your inhaler between doses!

If you're NOT using your inhaler correctly, you might not be getting the full dose of medicine prescribed because the medicine can't reach your lungs where it is needed. Instead it might be hitting the back of your throat, or staying on your tongue or in your mouth where it won't help at all. Using the wrong technique can also mean you're more likely to get side effects, such as oral thrush or a sore throat.

Remember to shake between every dose taken.