Asthma & COPD Treatment
Access proven prescription inhalers, preventers, and emergency medications for asthma and COPD management from the comfort of your home. Our UK-registered doctors provide safe, effective solutions with complete discretion.
View All Treatment Options
Ventolin Inhaler
Symbicort Turbohaler
Seretide Inhaler
Salamol Inhaler
Qvar Autohaler
Pulmicort Turbohaler
Fostair Inhaler
Clenil Modulite Inhaler
Bricanyl Turbohaler
Airomir Autohaler
Atrovent Inhaler
Prednisolone Tablets
COPD Rescue Pack
On This Page
Conditions Overview
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Treatment Options
Management & Prevention
Quick Navigation: Use the links above to jump directly to specific sections, or scroll down to read the complete guide.
Asthma & COPD Treatments We Provide
We provide safe, effective prescription inhalers and medications for asthma and COPD management. All medications are prescribed following a confidential online consultation with our UK-registered doctors.
Ventolin Inhaler
Reliever inhaler containing salbutamol for quick relief of asthma and COPD symptoms during an attack.
- Active Ingredient Salbutamol
- Type Reliever
- Conditions Asthma & COPD
- Price From £12.59
Symbicort Inhaler
Combination inhaler containing budesonide and formoterol for both prevention and relief of asthma and COPD symptoms.
- Active Ingredients Budesonide & Formoterol
- Type Combination
- Conditions Asthma & COPD
- Price From £44.59
Seretide Inhaler
Preventer inhaler containing fluticasone and salmeterol for long-term asthma and COPD control.
- Active Ingredients Fluticasone & Salmeterol
- Type Preventer
- Conditions Asthma & COPD
- Price From £29.59
Prednisolone Tablets
Oral corticosteroid for severe asthma attacks or COPD exacerbations to reduce inflammation quickly.
- Active Ingredient Prednisolone
- Type Emergency Steroid
- Conditions Asthma & COPD
- Price From £15.49
COPD Rescue Pack
Emergency medication pack containing antibiotics and steroids for COPD exacerbations to prevent hospital admission.
- Contents Antibiotics & Steroids
- Type Emergency Pack
- Conditions COPD
- Price From £24.95
Salamol Inhaler
Reliever inhaler containing salbutamol for quick relief of asthma and COPD symptoms.
- Active Ingredient Salbutamol
- Type Reliever
- Conditions Asthma & COPD
- Price From £12.59
Understanding Asthma & COPD
Asthma and COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) are both chronic respiratory conditions that affect breathing, but they have different causes, progression patterns, and treatment approaches.
Asthma vs COPD: Key Differences
| Feature | Asthma | COPD |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Often begins in childhood | Usually appears after age 40 |
| Causes | Allergies, genetics, environmental factors | Primarily smoking, air pollution |
| Reversibility | Symptoms often reversible | Lung damage is progressive and irreversible |
| Symptom Pattern | Variable, often intermittent | Persistent and progressive |
| Inflammation Type | Eosinophilic (allergic) | Neutrophilic (non-allergic) |
| Treatment Focus | Control inflammation, prevent attacks | Manage symptoms, slow progression |
Asthma Prevalence in the UK
According to Asthma + Lung UK, asthma affects approximately 5.4 million people in the UK:
| Population Group | Prevalence | Key Statistics |
|---|---|---|
| Children | 1 in 11 children | Most common long-term medical condition |
| Adults | 1 in 12 adults | Higher prevalence in women than men |
COPD Prevalence in the UK
According to the British Lung Foundation:
| Statistic | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Affected | Approximately 1.2 million people diagnosed |
| Undiagnosed Cases | Estimated 2 million undiagnosed |
| Hospital Admissions | Over 140,000 per year |
| Deaths per Year | Around 30,000 |
Causes & Risk Factors
Asthma Risk Factors
- Genetics: Family history of asthma or allergic conditions
- Allergies: History of eczema, hay fever, or other allergies
- Environmental exposures: Tobacco smoke, air pollution
- Occupational exposures: Certain workplace chemicals or dusts
- Respiratory infections: Severe infections in childhood
COPD Risk Factors
- Smoking: Primary cause (80-90% of cases)
- Occupational exposures: Dust, chemicals, fumes
- Air pollution: Long-term exposure to poor air quality
- Genetics: Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency
- Age: Risk increases with age
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Asthma Symptoms
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of asthma include:
Wheezing
A whistling sound when breathing, especially when exhaling
Breathlessness
Feeling short of breath, especially during activity or at night
Chest Tightness
Feeling like a band is tightening around your chest
Coughing
Particularly at night, early morning, or after exercise
COPD Symptoms
COPD symptoms are typically persistent and progressive:
| Symptom | Description | When It Occurs |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Cough | Daily cough, often with mucus (phlegm) | Present most days |
| Breathlessness | Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity | Worsens over time |
| Frequent Chest Infections | More prone to bronchitis and pneumonia | Several times per year |
| Wheezing | Whistling sound when breathing | During exacerbations |
| Fatigue | Persistent tiredness and lack of energy | Daily |
Diagnosis Process
Asthma Diagnosis
- Spirometry: Measures how much and how quickly you can breathe out
- Peak Flow Monitoring: Daily measurements to check variability
- Reversibility Test: Checks improvement after using a reliever inhaler
- Medical History: Symptoms, triggers, family history
COPD Diagnosis
- Spirometry: Essential for diagnosis (FEV1/FVC ratio)
- Chest X-ray: Rules out other conditions
- CT Scan: Detailed images of lungs
- Blood Tests: Check oxygen levels, rule out infections
- Smoking History: Critical for diagnosis
Emergency Signs for Both Conditions
When to Seek Emergency Help
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
Asthma Emergency
- Reliever inhaler isn't helping or needed every 4 hours
- Too breathless to speak, eat, or sleep
- Breathing getting faster and can't catch breath
- Peak flow score significantly lower than normal
COPD Emergency
- Sudden worsening of breathlessness
- Increased coughing with coloured phlegm
- Fever or signs of infection
- Confusion or drowsiness
- Blue lips or fingernails
Call 999 immediately if symptoms are severe or worsening despite using emergency medications.
Asthma & COPD Treatment Options
Both asthma and COPD treatment focuses on controlling symptoms, preventing exacerbations, and improving quality of life. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs and condition severity.
Reliever Inhalers (Short-acting bronchodilators)
Used as needed for quick relief of symptoms in both asthma and COPD:
| Medication | Active Ingredient | For Asthma | For COPD | When to Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ventolin/Salamol | Salbutamol | ✓ Primary reliever | ✓ Symptom relief | When symptoms occur or before exercise |
| Airomir | Salbutamol | ✓ Alternative reliever | ✓ Symptom relief | When symptoms occur |
| Bricanyl | Terbutaline | ✓ Alternative reliever | ✓ Symptom relief | When symptoms occur |
| Atrovent | Ipratropium | ✓ Less common | ✓ Commonly used | When symptoms occur |
Preventer Inhalers (Maintenance therapy)
For Asthma
- Qvar/Clenil: Beclometasone - reduces inflammation
- Pulmicort: Budesonide - reduces inflammation
- Usage: Daily, usually twice daily
- Purpose: Prevent symptoms and attacks
For COPD
- Inhaled Steroids: Used in combination with bronchodilators
- Long-acting bronchodilators: Tiotropium, indacaterol
- Usage: Daily maintenance
- Purpose: Reduce exacerbations, improve symptoms
Combination Inhalers
These combine different medications for more comprehensive control:
| Medication | Active Ingredients | For Asthma | For COPD | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Symbicort | Budesonide & Formoterol | ✓ Maintenance & relief | ✓ Maintenance therapy | Dual action, flexible dosing |
| Seretide | Fluticasone & Salmeterol | ✓ Maintenance | ✓ Maintenance therapy | Long-lasting control |
| Fostair | Beclometasone & Formoterol | ✓ Maintenance & relief | ✓ Maintenance therapy | Dual action, fine particle |
Emergency & Rescue Medications
Prednisolone Tablets
Purpose: Oral corticosteroids for severe exacerbations
Used for: Both asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups
Duration: Short courses (5-14 days)
Action: Reduces airway inflammation quickly
COPD Rescue Pack
Purpose: Emergency treatment for COPD exacerbations
Contains: Antibiotics and steroids
When to use: At first signs of flare-up (increased symptoms, coloured phlegm)
Goal: Prevent hospital admission
Proper Inhaler Technique
Correct inhaler use is crucial for effective treatment. Common mistakes include:
Metered-Dose Inhalers
- Shake inhaler well
- Breathe out fully
- Start breathing in slowly, then press canister
- Continue breathing in deeply
- Hold breath for 10 seconds
Dry Powder Inhalers
- Load dose as per instructions
- Breathe out away from device
- Seal lips around mouthpiece
- Breathe in quickly and deeply
- Hold breath for 10 seconds
Important Tips
- Rinse mouth after steroid inhalers
- Clean inhaler regularly
- Check dose counter
- Get technique checked annually
- Use spacer if recommended
Asthma & COPD Management
Asthma Action Plan
A personalised asthma action plan should include:
| Zone | Peak Flow Reading | Action Required | Medication Adjustment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Zone | 80-100% of personal best | Continue usual medications | No change needed |
| Amber Zone | 50-80% of personal best | Increase monitoring, contact doctor | May need increased reliever use |
| Red Zone | Below 50% of personal best | Seek emergency help | Use emergency medications as prescribed |
COPD Action Plan
COPD management focuses on preventing exacerbations and maintaining function:
Daily Management
- Take medications as prescribed
- Monitor symptoms daily
- Stay active within limits
- Practice breathing exercises
- Maintain healthy weight
Exacerbation Plan
- Recognize early warning signs
- Start rescue pack if prescribed
- Increase reliever inhaler use
- Contact healthcare team
- Know when to go to hospital
Prevention
- Stop smoking completely
- Get flu and pneumonia vaccines
- Avoid respiratory infections
- Reduce exposure to irritants
- Attend pulmonary rehab if offered
Lifestyle Management for Both Conditions
Exercise & Activity
- Regular, gentle exercise improves lung function
- Pace activities to avoid breathlessness
- Use reliever before exercise if needed
- Consider pulmonary rehabilitation
- Stay active to maintain muscle strength
Nutrition
- Maintain healthy weight
- Eat smaller, frequent meals
- Stay hydrated
- Limit salt to reduce fluid retention
- Avoid foods that cause bloating
Mental Health
- Manage stress and anxiety
- Join support groups
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Address depression if present
- Maintain social connections
How Our Asthma & COPD Treatment Service Works
Complete Online Consultation
Answer questions about your condition history, current symptoms, medications, and triggers. Our secure platform ensures complete confidentiality.
Medical Review by UK Doctor
A UK-registered doctor reviews your consultation to determine appropriate and safe treatment. We may contact you for additional information if needed.
Prescription Issued
If approved, our doctor issues a prescription which is sent to our partner pharmacy for dispensing. Emergency medications are prioritised.
Discreet Delivery
Your medication is packaged discreetly and delivered to your chosen address via tracked delivery. Next-day delivery available for urgent needs.
What to Expect During Consultation
For Asthma Patients
- Current symptoms and frequency
- Medication history and inhaler technique
- Asthma triggers and avoidance strategies
- History of attacks or hospital visits
- Peak flow readings if available
For COPD Patients
- Smoking history (current and past)
- Current symptoms and impact on daily life
- Previous exacerbations and treatments
- Vaccination status (flu/pneumonia)
- Other health conditions
Asthma & COPD FAQs
Can asthma develop into COPD?
While asthma doesn't typically develop into COPD, some people can have both conditions (asthma-COPD overlap). Long-term uncontrolled asthma with persistent inflammation can potentially contribute to fixed airway obstruction, but this is not common. The two conditions have different underlying mechanisms.
What's the difference between a rescue pack and regular medications?
Regular medications (preventers, maintenance inhalers) are taken daily to control symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Rescue packs (containing antibiotics and steroids) are kept at home for emergency use during exacerbations to prevent the need for hospital admission. They should only be started when symptoms significantly worsen, following your action plan.
How often should I have my inhaler technique checked?
Inhaler technique should be checked at least once a year, or whenever you start a new type of inhaler. Studies show that up to 90% of people don't use their inhalers correctly, which can significantly reduce effectiveness. Our doctors can provide guidance on proper technique during your consultation.
Can I get both asthma and COPD medications through your service?
Yes, we provide treatments for both asthma and COPD. However, certain medications may require additional information or monitoring. Our doctors will review your medical history to ensure any prescribed treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific condition and circumstances.
What should I do if my rescue medications aren't helping?
If your rescue medications (reliever inhaler or rescue pack) aren't providing adequate relief within the expected time frame, or if symptoms continue to worsen, you should seek immediate medical attention. Call 111 for advice or 999 in an emergency. Don't wait for symptoms to become severe before seeking help.
Medical Content Manager
Nabeel is a co-founder and medical content manager of Chemist Doctor. He works closely with our medical team to ensure information is accurate and up-to-date.
Medical Doctor
Dr. Talal is a GMC registered doctor and medical reviewer at Chemist Doctor. He ensures clinical accuracy and reliability across health content.
Medical Director
Usman is a co-founder and medical director of Chemist Doctor. He leads the organisation's strategic vision, bridging clinical and operational priorities.
Review Date: 20 November 2025
Next Review: 20 May 2026
Published on: 1 May 2025
Last Updated: 20 November 2025
