Respiratory

What are respiratory problems?

Respiratory problems affect breathing or another part of the respiratory system. They range from a cold or allergy to long-term conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD. An infection, allergy, airway inflammation or smoke exposure can produce similar respiratory symptoms. The right respiratory disease treatment begins with finding the cause.

At KwickPharmacy you can compare respiratory medicines online and check prescription requirements.

Upper respiratory problems

The upper respiratory tract includes the nose, sinuses and throat. Common problems include colds, sinusitis, laryngitis and allergic rhinitis.

An upper respiratory tract infection is usually caused by a virus. Common symptoms include:

• A blocked or runny nose

• Sneezing and nasal irritation

• Sore throat or hoarseness

• Headache or facial pressure

• Mild fever, tiredness or cough

Most viral infections improve with supportive care. Antibiotics do not treat viral colds or flu. They may be prescribed for a diagnosed bacterial infection.

Lower respiratory problems

The lower respiratory tract includes the windpipe, airways and lungs. A lower respiratory tract infection can include bronchitis or pneumonia. Asthma, COPD and bronchiectasis are longer-term conditions.

Lower respiratory symptoms may include:

• A persistent or chesty cough

• Mucus or chest congestion

• Wheezing or noisy breathing

• Shortness of breath

• Chest tightness or discomfort

• Fever, fatigue or reduced ability to exercise

Asthma causes sensitive airways that can narrow after a trigger. COPD causes ongoing airflow limitation and is often linked to smoking or lung irritants. Both need an individual plan.

What causes respiratory problems?

Common causes and triggers include:

• Viruses, bacteria or other germs

• Pollen, dust mites, mold or animal dander

• Tobacco smoke, vaping and air pollution

• Workplace dust, fumes or chemicals

• Cold air, exercise or weather changes

• Family history and long-term airway inflammation

• Certain medicines or other medical conditions

A professional may check the chest and oxygen levels. Spirometry, allergy tests or a chest X-ray may be needed for persistent symptoms.

Respiratory medicines and inhalers

Treatment depends on whether the problem is an infection, allergy or long-term airway condition. Common options include:

Asthma inhalers and COPD inhalers may contain one or more medicines.

• Bronchodilator inhalers relax airway muscles. Short-acting reliever inhalers may be used during sudden symptoms.

• Corticosteroid inhalers reduce inflammation and help prevent asthma flare-ups.

• Combination inhalers may contain a corticosteroid and long-acting bronchodilator.

• Antimuscarinic inhalers help keep airways open and are used in COPD treatment.

• Nebulizer medicines turn liquid medicine into a mist for people who have difficulty using an inhaler.

• Antihistamines and corticosteroid nasal sprays may help allergic rhinitis.

• Antibiotics treat suitable bacterial respiratory infections, not asthma, COPD or viruses.

Oral corticosteroids or oxygen therapy may be used under medical supervision. Asthma treatment and COPD treatment should be reviewed if symptoms worsen or a reliever is needed more often.

Using an inhaler correctly

Incorrect inhaler technique can reduce the medicine reaching the lungs. A doctor or pharmacist can demonstrate the device and advise whether a spacer is suitable.

Rinse the mouth after a corticosteroid inhaler. Keep inhalers clean and do not share them. Do not stop a controller inhaler without medical advice.

Supporting respiratory health at home

Rest, fluids and saline nasal spray may ease a mild upper respiratory infection. Avoid smoke, vaping and known triggers. Follow any asthma or COPD action plan provided.

Seek assessment for persistent wheezing, repeated infections or a cough that does not improve.

When is breathing trouble an emergency?

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, blue or gray lips, confusion, fainting, strong chest pain or an inability to speak in full sentences. Urgent help is also needed when an asthma reliever does not work as directed or breathing continues to worsen.