Asthma treatment usually means a preventer inhaler to calm the airways over time and a reliever inhaler for symptoms when they happen. With Global Health, adults in Ireland who already have an asthma diagnosis and stable control can request replacement inhalers online for €25. You complete a secure questionnaire, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable your treatment plan is sent to the Irish pharmacy of your choice. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by an Irish Medical Council-registered doctor
- A treatment plan for replacement preventer and reliever inhalers, if clinically suitable
- Secure electronic delivery of the treatment plan to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland
- Written advice on inhaler technique and keeping your asthma under control
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The €25 fee covers the doctor's review. The cost of the medication is paid separately at your pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
This service is for adults whose asthma is already diagnosed and stable. Our doctors cannot safely recommend asthma treatment online if you:
- are under 18
- have not been diagnosed with asthma by a doctor, or think you may have asthma for the first time
- need your reliever inhaler three or more times a week
- wake at night with cough, wheeze or breathlessness
- have been to hospital or an emergency department for asthma, or needed a course of steroid tablets, in the past year
- are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding and your asthma or treatment has changed
- have chest pain, are coughing up blood, or have symptoms that are getting worse
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly. If you are having an asthma attack, call 112 or 999.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your asthma, the inhalers you use, how often you need your reliever and any other medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. An Irish-registered doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Treatment plan sent. If treatment is suitable, the treatment plan is sent securely by Healthmail to the Irish pharmacy you choose, ready for you to collect.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed and sensitive. When something irritates them, the muscles around the airways tighten, the lining swells and extra mucus is made. This narrows the airways and causes wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and breathlessness. Asthma cannot be cured, but with the right treatment most people can keep their symptoms well controlled.
What triggers asthma?
Common triggers include colds and chest infections, pollen, house dust mites, animal fur, cigarette smoke, cold air, exercise, mould and air pollution. Some people react to certain painkillers. Knowing your own triggers helps you avoid or prepare for them.
Signs your asthma is not well controlled
Good control means few or no daytime symptoms, no night waking and rarely needing your reliever. Needing your reliever more often, waking at night, or struggling with daily activities are signs that your treatment needs a review with a doctor, not just a repeat of the same treatment.
Asthma treatment options
Most asthma treatment is given through inhalers, so the medicine goes straight to the lungs. Inhalers are often recognised by colour, for example the blue inhaler (a reliever) or the brown inhaler (a preventer), but colours vary by brand and type, so always check the name on your inhaler and pharmacy label.
- Reliever inhalers relax the muscles around the airways quickly. They are for symptoms when they happen and should not be needed often if your asthma is controlled.
- Preventer inhalers contain a low dose of inhaled steroid that reduces inflammation in the airways over time. They work only if used every day, even when you feel well.
- Combination inhalers contain a preventer and a longer-acting reliever in one device and are used in some treatment plans.
How to use an asthma inhaler
Good technique matters as much as the medicine. For a standard pressurised inhaler, shake it, breathe out gently, seal your lips around the mouthpiece, press once as you start a slow deep breath in, then hold your breath for about ten seconds. Using the inhaler with a spacer makes it easier to get the medicine into your lungs: press one puff into the spacer and breathe in slowly, or take several normal breaths through it. Rinse your mouth after using a preventer. Your pharmacist can check your technique.
Self-care and your annual review
Avoid smoking and smoky places, keep up with your flu vaccine, and follow a written asthma action plan. You should still have an asthma review with your own GP at least once a year to check your symptoms, lung function, technique and treatment. The Asthma Society of Ireland also offers free advice and support.
Side effects and safety
Reliever inhalers can cause a fast heartbeat, shakiness or headache for a short time after use. Preventer inhalers can cause a hoarse voice, sore throat or oral thrush; rinsing your mouth and using a spacer help reduce this. Tell the doctor about any other medicines you take, including beta-blockers and eye drops for glaucoma, as some can make asthma worse.
An asthma attack is an emergency if your reliever is not helping, you are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep, your lips or fingers look blue, or you feel exhausted or confused. Call 112 or 999 straight away.
When to see a doctor in person
See your GP if you are using your reliever more than usual, your symptoms wake you at night, you have had a recent attack, or your inhalers no longer seem to work. These are signs your treatment plan needs to change. You can also meet our Irish-registered doctors or see all online treatment services.