From blue to new! Patients offered upgrade in Asthma care
Ahead of World Asthma Day (5 May) people across the North East and North Cumbria, are being encouraged to upgrade their old inhalers from 'blue to new' as part of a major step forward in lung-health care.
The familiar blue reliever treatment, which has been used by millions of asthma patients for over five decades, is being upgraded to an improved anti-inflammatory reliever (combination) inhaler which not only relieves symptoms of asthma but also treats the underlying cause.
Alongside opening the airways, the combination inhaler also reduces swelling and inflammation in the lungs, making asthma symptoms easier to manage.
Professor Ewan Maule, director of medicines and pharmacy, North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: "For over 50 years, the blue inhaler has been prescribed for people with asthma, providing quick relief for breathing difficulties.
"We now know that asthma is not just about keeping the airways open, it’s also about controlling the inflammation, or swelling, that causes the symptoms in the first place.
"By upgrading to a combined treatment inhaler patients not only get the relief they need but also benefit from treatment that treats the root cause of their asthma.
"This can lead to fewer flare-ups, fewer hospital visits, and better long-term lung health."
Claire Adams, ICB respiratory clinical lead, said moving from 'blue to new' was an important change that would help many people across the region, with asthma, live better lives.
"We know that change can feel scary, especially when people have relied on their blue inhaler for years," she said.
"This change in guidance is an opportunity to make a real difference to how asthma is managed.
"The new combination inhalers offer more protection and better control, helping people to live well and breathe more easily."
Anyone currently using a blue reliever treatment inhaler is being encouraged to contact their GP practice to review their asthma plan to see if a new combination inhaler might work better for them.
GP practices provide two main treatments for asthma:
- Anti-Inflammatory reliever (AIR) - for people who only experience asthma symptoms less than twice a month, during certain times of the year, such as pollen season, when around pets, or during exercise.
- Maintenance and reliever therapy (MART) plan, for people who have asthma symptoms more regularly.
"Having the right plan and using the right inhaler, in the right way, can make all the difference in managing asthma effectively," added Claire.
"Reviewing your asthma action plan with a healthcare professional will ensure you understand how to use the right inhaler correctly and get the best protection for your lungs, helping you to live symptom free!"
For more information and support on switching from ‘blue to new’, contact your GP surgery.