If you have asthma, it’s vital to keep a reliable reliever inhaler with you at all times. Asthma symptoms can come on quickly, and when they do, your blue inhaler is often your first line of treatment.
WHAT HAPPENS WITH ASTHMA?
People with asthma have sensitive airways in their lungs. When exposed to certain triggers, the airways narrow, making it difficult to breathe.
Two things happen when the airways are irritated:
- Swelling: the lining of the airways becomes inflamed and swells; mucus gets clogged in the airways making it harder for air to flow through.
- Constriction: the muscles around the airways tighten up; this squeezes the airways, again making it harder for air to flow through.
SYMPTOMS
Symptoms of asthma include wheezing or a slight whistle when breathing, coughing, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath.Symptoms may be mild, moderate or severe, and be intermittent (happening now and again) or persistent (chronic).
The underlying cause of asthma is unclear, but a family history of allergy makes asthma more likely.
COMMON TRIGGERS
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by the following:
- Colds and chest infections
- Allergens, such as house dust-mites and pollen
- Cigarette smoke
- Air pollution
- Exercise
- Cold air
- Stress.
VENTOLIN® (SALBUTAMOL)
– TRUSTED ASTHMA RELIEF
Your blue inhaler is often your first step in relieving asthma symptoms when they occur.
Ventolin® has been used by New Zealanders for nearly 40 years.2 It’s a brand you can trust to give you fast relief from asthma symptoms, helping you breathe easy within minutes.3,4
Ventolin is also alcohol-free4 so you don’t get any unpleasant alcohol after-taste, which might be noticed by children.
WHEN TO USE IT
Ventolin should be used for symptom relief only; or in the case of exercise-induced asthma, your doctor may tell you to take one or two puffs before you exercise.
Frequent use of your blue inhaler (more than 2 to 3 times a week) means that your asthma management is not as good as it could be, and may be a reason for asking your doctor about preventative asthma treatment.
VENTOLIN BENEFITS
- Alcohol-free: no unpleasant after-taste4
- CFC-free
- Suitable for all ages
- Used by New Zealanders for nearly 40 years.2
References:1. The Asthma Foundation. Available at: asthmafoundation.org.nz/in_new_zealand.php. Accessed 12/10/2010.
2. Gillies J et al. NZ Med J. 2005:118(1220):79-83.
3. Price A, Clissold S. Drugs. 1989;38(1):77-122.
4. Ventolin Data Sheet, GSK New Zealand
*Ventolin® (salbutamol) is available as an alcohol-free and CFC-free Inhaler, 100 mcg per actuation. Ventolin is a partially funded Prescription Medicine. You will need to pay a part charge for this medicine. It is a short-acting bronchodilator used for the relief of asthma symptoms. Use strictly as directed. Do not use Ventolin if you: are sensitive to any of the ingredients in the preparation. Tell your doctor if you: feel that the medicine has become less effective or you are using more than usual; have hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, diabetes; are taking any other medicine or herbal remedy including those you buy from a supermarket, pharmacy or health food shop. Common side effects include: headache, nausea, shaky or tense feeling, fast or irregular heart beat, “warm” feeling (caused by blood vessels expanding under the skin), mouth or throat irritation, shortness of breath or wheezing. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist or health professional. Additional Consumer Medicine Information for Ventolin is available at www.medsafe.govt.nz. Prices for Ventolin may vary across pharmacies. Normal doctor’s office visit fees apply. Ask your doctor if Ventolin is right for you. Ventolin is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies. Marketed by GlaxoSmithKline NZ Ltd, Auckland. TAPS NA4481-10OC
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