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Asthma is a common, long-term condition that affects breathing. During an asthma attack, the airways swell, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing.

While there is no cure, asthma shouldn’t restrict one’s life or ability to exercise. Proper asthma management, which often includes the use of inhalers like Ventolin, can allow one to stay active and healthy.

If you’re looking for a convenient way to access Ventolin inhalers to manage your asthma symptoms during exercise, registered online doctor services like e-Surgery offer an online service. Keep reading for more information.

Asthma with Exercise: Importance of Exercise

Regular physical activity is vital for keeping fit and healthy, even for those diagnosed with asthma. Exercise is an important part of good asthma management. While exercise can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms, known as exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB), this can usually be prevented with proper medication and preparation.

Up to 90% of people with asthma, 50% of competitive athletes, and 18-26% of school children are affected by EIB. However, having EIB does not mean you cannot or should not exercise. With good asthma control, most people with asthma can exercise to their full potential and should be able to participate in almost any sport or activity except scuba diving.

What are Ventolin Asthma Inhalers?

Ventolin and Exercise_ Staying Active with Asthma

Ventolin is a brand of salbutamol, a medicine used to relieve asthma symptoms and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), such as coughing, wheezing and feeling breathless. It works by relaxing the muscles of the airways into the lungs, making breathing easier. Ventolin inhalers for asthma are usually blue.

Salbutamol inhalers are called “reliever” inhalers because they provide quick relief from breathing problems when needed. They are typically used alongside a “preventer” inhaler, which is used daily to prevent symptoms from occurring. Ventolin inhalers are safe and effective, with few side effects when used as advised by a healthcare professional.

The Role Ventolin Plays in Managing Asthma During Physical Activity

For those with EIB, the airways are very sensitive to sudden temperature changes, especially when breathing cold, dry air during exercise. Mouth breathing during physical activity allows cold, dry air, plus allergens and irritants, to reach the lower airways and trigger asthma symptoms.

This is where Ventolin inhaler for asthma play a vital role. By opening up and relaxing the muscles in the airways, Ventolin prevents the bronchospasm that causes coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath during exercise.

Doctors typically recommend using a Ventolin inhaler 10-20 minutes before exercise to pretreat the airways, even if symptoms are well controlled.

Using Ventolin Before, During and After Exercise

Here are some tips for when to take inhaler before exercise:

  • Always carry your Ventolin inhaler and spacer with you.
  • If indicated on your asthma action plan, use your Ventolin inhaler up to 15 minutes before warming up.
  • Warm up before exercise as usual.
  • Watch for asthma symptoms and Ventolin inhaler side effects during exercise. Stop using your Ventolin inhaler if they appear. Only return to the activity if symptoms are relieved.
  • Cool down after exercise as usual, knowing that asthma symptoms can occur up to 30 minutes later.
  • Use your Ventolin inhaler if symptoms appear after exercise.

The normal dose is 1-2 puffs of Ventolin when needed, up to 4 times in 24 hours. If you find yourself needing to use your inhaler more frequently, it could be a sign that your asthma is not well controlled, and you should speak with your doctor. In the case of a sudden asthma attack, up to 10 puffs can be used, waiting 30 seconds and shaking the inhaler between puffs. Seek emergency medical care if symptoms do not improve.

You must use your asthma inhaler to get the correct dosage into your lungs. A healthcare professional should check the technique regularly. Using a spacer with your inhaler can help ensure the right amount of medication reaches your lungs.

Managing Asthma to Stay Active

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In addition to proper use of inhalers like Ventolin, there are lifestyle modifications that can help manage EIB and allow you to stay active with asthma:

  • Ensure your asthma is well-controlled overall.
  • Engage in a proper warm-up before and cool down after exercise.
  • Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle with you when exercising.
  • Be mindful of asthma triggers in your environment, like cold air and pollen, schedule outdoor activity accordingly, or wear a scarf over your mouth in cold weather.
  • Choose asthma-friendly activities, such as swimming in a warm, humid environment (if you are not sensitive to chlorine) or sports with short bursts of activity.

With proper management and preventative measures, there’s no reason asthma should keep you from reaping the many benefits of regular physical activity. If you’re struggling with asthma symptoms during exercise, work with your doctor on an asthma action plan and the correct use of inhalers like Ventolin.

Registered online doctor services like e-Surgery offer an easy way to access Ventolin inhalers online, as it’s not possible to simply buy an over the counter asthma inhaler in the UK. After completing an online consultation to ensure the medication is appropriate and an online prescription is approved, your inhaler can be delivered right to your door.

However, if you are currently experiencing an asthma attack, this is not the right service for you. Seek urgent medical care immediately by calling 999 or using your asthma action plan.