Asthma/COPD

You can buy asthma and COPD treatments safely through the Mail My Meds online platform by completing a simple three-step clinical consultation. Once our independent prescribers approve your request, your medication is dispensed and shipped directly from our registered UK pharmacy (GPHC Number: 9011560). This process ensures you receive genuine UK-licensed medication with the convenience of home delivery.

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the bronchial tubes, while COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) is an umbrella term for progressive lung diseases including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While asthma involves reversible airway narrowing often triggered by allergies, COPD involves permanent damage to the air sacs (alveoli) and airways, leading to persistent airflow obstruction. Both conditions require proactive management to maintain lung function and quality of life.

Respiratory disease is a leading cause of ill health in the UK, with asthma affecting approximately 1 in 11 people and COPD diagnosed in over 1.4 million individuals. According to NHS data, emergency admissions for asthma and COPD exacerbations remain high, highlighting the critical need for effective inhaler technique and adherence to personal asthma action plans. In some regions, prevalence exceeds 7% of the local population.

The primary causes of asthma and COPD include genetic predisposition and long-term exposure to lung irritants. Asthma is frequently linked to "atopy" (a tendency toward allergies like hay fever or eczema), while smoking is responsible for approximately 9 in 10 COPD cases. Other significant factors include:

• Workplace exposure to dust, chemicals, or fumes (Occupational Asthma).
• Early childhood respiratory infections like bronchiolitis.
• Long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution.
• Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency (a rare genetic cause of COPD).

Treatments for respiratory conditions focus on "relieving" immediate symptoms and "preventing" long-term inflammation. Reliever inhalers provide rapid relief by relaxing airway muscles, whereas preventer inhalers use low-dose corticosteroids to reduce swelling over time. The NICE guidelines now increasingly recommend Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (MART) for asthma patients to improve control.

The most widely prescribed treatments in the UK include Salbutamol (Blue Inhaler) for quick relief and Beclometasone (Brown Inhaler) for daily prevention. 

Most patients use inhalers with minimal issues, but common side effects can include a mild tremor (shaking), a fast heartbeat, or a sore throat (oral thrush). To reduce the risk of oral thrush when using steroid inhalers, it is essential to rinse your mouth with water or brush your teeth after use. If you experience persistent palpitations or extreme restlessness, you should consult your pharmacist or GP.

User experiences of asthma and COPD often vary from mild seasonal irritation to significant daily limitations. Patients frequently report that "silent" symptoms, such as feeling excessively tired or being unable to keep up with peers during a walk, are just as impactful as a visible asthma attack. Using a Peak Flow Meter and following a structured management plan are cited by most patients as the most effective ways to regain a sense of control.

Prescription treatments are suitable for adults and children who have received a formal diagnosis via spirometry or FeNO testing. At Mail My Meds, our online service is designed for patients with a stable diagnosis who need to renew their maintenance medication. We ensure that every patient is screened for suitability, checking for contraindications with other medications like beta-blockers or NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen).

You must never rely solely on a blue reliever inhaler if your symptoms are worsening; this is a sign that your underlying inflammation is not controlled. Over-reliance on SABA (reliever) inhalers, defined as using three or more canisters per year, is linked to an increased risk of severe attacks. Always ensure your inhaler technique is checked by a professional, as poor technique is the leading cause of treatment failure.

You should seek urgent medical attention if your reliever inhaler does not provide relief for at least four hours or if you are too breathless to speak. See your GP for a review if you are waking up at night with symptoms, using your reliever more than twice a week, or if your peak flow readings are lower than your personal best. Early intervention prevents "remodeling," where the lungs suffer permanent scarring from uncontrolled inflammation.

Managing your environment is as crucial as taking your medication for long-term lung health. Key lifestyle adjustments include:

• Smoking Cessation: Stopping smoking is the only intervention proven to slow the decline of lung function in COPD.
• Weight Management: Excess weight can put extra strain on your breathing and increase inflammation.
• Vaccinations: Annual Flu and Pneumococcal vaccines are vital to prevent infections that trigger flare-ups.
• Indoor Air Quality: Avoid damp, mould, and strong chemical perfumes which act as common triggers.

Starting treatment begins with a consultation to determine the severity of your symptoms and your current "control" level. You can start this by selecting your required medication on our site and completing the medical questionnaire. Our prescribers will review your history to ensure the treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific stage of asthma or COPD.

Non-medical interventions like Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) and breathing exercises can significantly improve your exercise tolerance and reduce breathlessness. PR is a supervised programme of exercise and education specifically designed for people with lung conditions. Additionally, using a spacer device with your MDI inhaler can increase the amount of medicine reaching your lungs by up to 50%, making your existing treatment more effective without increasing the dose.

Can asthma go away or be cured?

Asthma cannot be "cured" in the traditional sense, but it can go into long-term remission, particularly if it was developed in childhood. However, the underlying sensitivity of the airways remains, meaning it can return later in life due to stress or environmental changes.

Is COPD a disability?

COPD can be considered a disability under the UK Equality Act 2010 if it has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on your ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. Many patients are eligible for support such as the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

What is the difference between a brown and blue inhaler?

The blue inhaler is a "reliever" for immediate symptom relief, while the brown inhaler is a "preventer" containing steroids that must be taken every day to stop symptoms from developing in the first place.

Can stress cause an asthma attack?

Yes, strong emotions and stress can lead to hyperventilation or changes in breathing patterns that trigger an asthma attack in sensitive individuals.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not replace seeking advice from a medical professional for personalised diagnosis or treatment. Always read the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication.

Our content is regularly reviewed by our team of medical experts and pharmacists to ensure it remains up to date with the latest NICE guidelines and clinical best practices. We are dedicated to providing reliable, evidence-based information to help you manage your respiratory health safely.