About Asthma & COPDAsthma is a long-term condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow. COPD is a progressive lung disease, usually linked to smoking. Both cause breathlessness and wheezing.Symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, often worse at night, with exercise, cold air, dust or infections.Medicines used for Asthma & COPDReliever inhalers such as salbutamol open the airways quickly. Preventer inhalers containing steroids such as fluticasone or budesonide reduce inflammation, and montelukast tablets help some people. Learning the correct inhaler technique and using a spacer make a big difference.When to see a doctorGet emergency help if your reliever is not helping, you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips turn blue, or a child is struggling to breathe.This page is for general information only. Many of these medicines need a prescription; please use them only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist, who can choose the right medicine and dose for you.
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