FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ASTHMA

How can I prevent an asthma attack?

Acute asthma attacks can be prevented by basically avoiding triggers and taking regular preventive medication.

Can pain relievers trigger an asthma attack?

Yes, the commonly used aspirin and NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) group of pain killers, are well known to trigger asthmatic attacks. 

What are the side effects of bronchodilator medication?

The common side effects of medication such as ventolin are as follows:

• palpitations
• tremors
• headaches
• nervousness

The likelihood of these side effects increases with higher doses of medication used.  Thus, inhaled medication causes far less side effects than orally ingested medication.

Can inhaled glucocorticosteroids cause a sore throat?

Common side effects of inhaled corticosteroid medication include oropharyngeal candidiasis (yeast infection), hoarse voice and dry/painful throat.  By simply rinsing one's mouth or gargling after inhalation, one  can reduce the incidence of these local side effects.

How can I find out what I am allergic to?

If you suspect you may have some allergies which may be triggering your asthma, see your doctor who may then recommend some investigations, such as a skin prick test.

Will my asthma affect my baby and are asthma medications safe in pregnancy?

Asthmatic patients who are pregnant should continue with inhaled medications, which have been shown to be generally safe.  Acute asthma attacks can result in dangerously low oxygen supply to the foetus.  Poorly controlled asthma is associated with pre-eclampsia, higher rates of caesarean section, pre-term delivery, intra-uterine growth retardation and low birth weight.  These risks of uncontrolled asthma are significantly greater than the risks (if any) of necessary asthma medication.

Is it true that inhaled corticosteroids affect growth in children?

There are 2 important things to note in answering this question.

Firstly, uncontrolled asthma adversely affects the growth rate and final adult height attained.

Secondly, growth retardation (ie. rate of growth) is seen if high doses of inhaled corticosteroids are used especially in younger children (ages 4 to 10 years),  however, the ultimate height attained is not affected (although it may be attained at a later age).