What is asthma?

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that makes breathing difficult. This is caused by the inflammation of the lungs, particularly in the smaller airways and air sacs.

Asthma is a long-term condition that can’t yet be cured but the symptoms usually come and go and vary in severity over time.

Causes:

• Cold air
• Airborne substances e.g. pollen or dust mites
• Air pollutants e.g. smoke
• Respiratory infections such as the common cold
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – a condition where stomach acid backs up into your throat

Symptoms and signs include:

• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Chest tightness or pain

What is a Ventolin asthma inhaler and how does it work?

Ventolin inhalers work by opening up the airways in your lungs, allowing you to breathe more easily. The medicine Salbutamol, which belongs to a group of medicines called fast acting bronchodilators, makes it easier for the air to move in and out of the lungs.

The blue ventolin inhaler is a type of asthma reliever inhaler that helps to relieve symptoms of asthma as they’re occurring.

The Ventolin evohaler relieves asthma symptoms such as:

• Tightness in the chest
• Wheezing and coughing

“Asthma pump” or inhalers for asthma are prescription-only medication so they are not available over-the-counter. Therefore you will need to consult with your GP to assess your condition and develop a plan for your asthma.

How often should Ventolin be used?

You can use Ventolin when you start to notice the symptoms of asthma or when you know you are going to do an activity which could make you breathless.

To use the inhaler:

• Take 1-2 puffs when you need it
• Up to a maximum of 4 times in a 24-hour period (regardless of whether you have 1 or 2 puffs at a time)

Consult with your GP if:

• You use your inhaler more than 4 times in a 24-hour period
• More than 2 days of each week
• In the middle of the night at least once a week

What happens if you take too much Ventolin?

If you take more than the recommended amount of Ventolin, you will notice your heart beating much faster and sometimes you may feel shaky.

This will usually go away within 30 minutes to a few hours at most.

These side effects of inhaling too much Ventolin are not dangerous, as long as you do not experience chest pains.

How quickly does the Ventolin inhaler work?

The Ventolin inhaler starts to work immediately, with asthma symptoms easing within just a few minutes.

Ventolin helps to open up the airways to allow air to flow more freely through the lungs, reducing symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing.

Can Ventolin be used to treat asthma during pregnancy?

It’s important to keep your asthma controlled during pregnancy, so you should continue your use of prescribed Ventolin asthma treatment unless your asthma gets worse.

If you stop using your Ventolin inhaler, your symptoms are likely to get worse which could pose a risk to your baby having a lower birth weight.

However, we advise you to consult with your GP to see if this medication is suitable for you during pregnancy.

Is Ventolin only used for asthma?

Ventolin is used to treat patients with breathing difficulties to relax the airways to allow for more air intake.

Therefore, it is possible to use the Ventolin Evohaler without being diagnosed with asthma, but inhalers, along with most other asthma medications, are prescription only.

We recommend seeking advice from your GP before exposing yourself to any potential risks.

Does using the Ventolin inhaler affect your weight?

Using a Ventolin inhaler does not affect your weight or lead to weight gain.

There are factors other than the medication to consider when dealing with weight gain from asthma.

How to maintain your Ventolin inhaler?

• When washing your blue Ventolin inhaler with water, wash the plastic casing only, not the metal canister.
• Keep your Ventolin inhaler in a cool, dry area. It is best to avoid keeping it in the bathroom.
• Avoid keeping your inhaler in extreme temperatures.
• Always keep the cap on your inhaler to avoid dust and debris getting inside.

Ventolin Side Effects

Side effects of Ventolin usually affect one in ten people.

Possible side effects include:

• Increased heart rate, sometimes felt as palpitations
• Muscle tremor (shaking, especially in the hands)
• Slight feelings of anxiety or nervousness

These effects generally pass quickly, and are less likely to occur after the medication has been used a few times.

They may occur when you take higher doses of the medication, such as during an asthma emergency.

Information Leaflet

Always read the patient information leaflet before commencing treatment.

• View the patient information leaflet for Ventolin Evohaler.