Stop smoking
On top of rising cigarette prices, you could be paying for extra medication that doesn’t work as well. We all know smoking makes asthma worse but less known is that smoking reduces the effectiveness of asthma inhalers.
Eat the right kinds of foods
There’s no evidence that avoiding dairy foods or taking supplements will improve asthma. Don’t pay extra for dairy-free or gluten-free foods if you don’t have a diagnosed allergy or intolerance. If you are overweight, losing 10 kilos can improve your asthma significantly.
Know your nose
Speak to your doctor and pharmacist about clearing your nose. An itchy, runny or blocked nose due to allergies can make your asthma harder to control, leading to more or stronger medication.
Get flu shot
Many asthma flare-ups are caused by colds and flu viruses. Flu vaccinations are free for the over 65’s and people with severe asthma.
Use a spacer with your puffer
A puffer with a spacer works just as well as a nebulizer but is simpler and cheaper. When you use a spacer with your puffer you get up to more of each dose than using a puffer alone.
Ask your doctor and pharmacist to check your inhaler technique
Getting your technique right could mean each reliever puffer lasts longer and you need to buy less. Nine out of ten people aren’t getting the full dose from their inhalers, even those who have been using asthma puffers for years. You may be wasting medication.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist about costs
Most medications are more expensive than others. There may be an alternative such as a generic medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about medical costs.
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