Asthma treatment
Medication is an effective treatment for asthma available at AOA体育平台. We also offer Buteyko breathing techniques.
Quick facts
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What is it for?
To help treat chest tightness
Treatment overview
For mild to moderate asthma, inhalers provide an effective, safe and easy to use treatment that delivers drugs directly to the airways. As only very small quantities of the drug will get into the bloodstream, systemic side effects are minimal or negligible.
The attachment of a spacer device to the inhaler helps increase the delivery of drugs and is particularly useful in small children or those whose inhaler technique is not optimal. Medication designed for inhalation can also be delivered via nebulisers, 鈥榤isting machines鈥�, which are driven either by battery or plugged into the mains.
There are two main types of asthma medication:
- Relievers, also called short-acting bronchodilators: often delivered in a blue or white inhaler, these work quickly and can produce almost immediate relief from mild to moderate chest tightness. Relievers may need to be used several times a day as their effect wanes after a while. The most widely used short-acting bronchodilator is salbutamol, a beta2 agonist which works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the airway walls.
- Preventers: these medications are usually steroids (corticosteroids rather than anabolic steroids) and work by decreasing the inflammatory response in the airways. They may come in a brown or beige inhaler device and their effect is slower than that of relievers but lasts longer. As a result, they are usually used twice a day.
The dose of steroids in inhalers is low and delivered directly to the desired site of action.
Other medication used to treat asthma
In cases where asthma symptoms prove particularly difficult to control despite the above medication, it is usual to either increase the dose of inhaled steroids or add in a long-acting beta agonist (LABA).
These two drugs are often combined into the same inhaler. Combination inhalers come in a variety of devices so it is important that the correct one is chosen to ensure ease of use.
A short course of oral steroids may prove necessary for some patients whose asthma exacerbation is particularly severe and inhaled treatment on its own proves ineffective.
Other drugs available to the treating physician include those designed to target particular inflammatory pathways or to produce additional bronchodilatation above what may be achieved by first-line drugs. A number of immunomodulatory drugs are also in development. One such agent currently available is a monoclonal antibody that neutralises IgE, the antibody that promotes allergic reactions.
Buteyko breathing
This treatment, provided by AOA体育平台's physiotherapy service, aims to reduce symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing and asthma attacks.
Why choose AOA体育平台
Excellence in one place
AOA体育平台, in collaboration with Northwestern Medicine, operate as teams of experts with world-class resources, dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of care. Supported by the latest treatments, expert guidance, and a comfortable recovery environment in our patient rooms, you'll have everything you need to regain your best health.
Personal care, every time
Exceptional patient care is a way of life for us. We鈥檒l be with you every step of the way, tailoring your care to your specific needs, including healthy and delicious meals designed to support your recovery. We keep our staff-to-patient ratio low, so our nurses, clinicians, therapists, and support teams can offer a personalised, quality experience.
Effortlessly simple
We work together as one to guide you through every step of your patient experience. From explaining your personal treatment plan to ensuring all details are taken care of, we make the process stress-free, so you can focus on your health. Whether it鈥檚 your first consultation or follow-up care, our teams are here to provide seamless support and the peace of mind you deserve.
What's included in your package?
Choosing AOA体育平台 means your treatment plan will be laid out for you, with all the details taken care of so you can focus on you.
Your treatment package will include:
- Enhanced pre-admission assessment
- Your treatment with our complete care team at your fingertips
- Personalised aftercare and follow-up
We want you to be in control of your health. That鈥檚 why we also offer optional services such as comprehensive recovery packages and extra touches for you to choose from during your stay with us. To help you manage the cost, we also offer a 0% finance option, allowing you to spread the payments for your treatment over 12 months with no added interest. Learn more about our .
How to pay
- You can use private medical insurance (PMI) to access this treatment. We work with all major PMI providers in the UK and many internationally
- You can pay for yourself (self-pay)
- If you鈥檙e paying for yourself, we have 0% finance options available with Chrysalis. Find out more .