Asthma Support Service
At CarePlus Pharmacy, we are delighted to be the first community pharmacy in Ireland to be offering a new Asthma Support Service using a FeNO test device along with other checks and support tools. This new service will help people with asthma better understand and manage their condition will help you to ascertain your level of asthma control and will aid your Asthma Management Plan.
The service will include the following:
- Asthma Control Questionnaire
- FeNO Test
- Peak Flow Measurement
- Inhaler Technique Check
Knowing your numbers can help you, your doctor and your asthma care team recognise how well you are being controlled and avoid asthma attacks.
FeNO Test (Fractional Exhaled Nitric Oxide)
What is FeNO?
A FeNO test or exhaled nitric oxide test, is a way to determine how much lung inflammation is present and how well inhaled steroids are suppressing this inflammation in patients with allergic or eosinophilic asthma. With allergic or eosinophilic asthma, sometimes you may feel your breathing is fine, but when you measure your exhaled nitric oxide, it may still be significantly elevated, and you might do better in the long term using slightly more of your inhaled steroid to suppress this inflammation.
Why is it important?
FeNO is useful to help you build a better understanding of your asthma and manage it with the support of your doctor and pharmacist. The FeNO test measures inflammation in your airways. If the inflammation is not treated it can cause life-threatening asthma attacks.
By knowing what kind of asthma, you have, you can:
- Understand your medication better
- Recognise when your medicines are working well
- Avoid life-threatening asthma attacks
How can I get a FeNO Test?
The FeNO Test is available for children as young as 4 years of age and adults living with asthma are available in Carrigaline CarePlus Pharmacy in Carrigaline, Co. Cork. The service is provided by specially trained CarePlus Pharmacists and Pharmacy team members.
- To book an appointment in Carragaline CarePlus Pharmacy click on the "Book Now" button to book online or alternatively call the pharmacy directly on (021) 4757083
How the FeNO Test is done:
The FeNO test is safe and easy to do for adults and children.
You will take a big breath in and then gently breathe out through the filtered mouthpiece into a small portable device for approximately 10 seconds. The test is much easier to do than other asthma tests such as spirometry or peak flow. The device shows the reading on its screen.
How to prepare for the FeNO Test:
Ahead of the test, there are a few things that you should try to avoid ensuring that the test is effective:
Prior to your appointment
- Leave in plenty of time and avoid exerting yourself at least 1 hour.
- Avoid smoking at least 1 hour before your test.
- Hot drinks, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided for at least 1 hour before your test.
- Avoid nitrate-rich foods such as green leafy vegetables (i.e., celery, leek, beetroot, lettuce and spinach) at least 3 hours before.
Peak Flow Measurement
What is peak flow?
Peak flow is a simple measurement of how quickly you can blow air out of your lungs. It's often used to help diagnose and monitor asthma.
Why might I need peak flow measurement?
Peak flow measurement using a peak flow meter is useful for people with asthma. During an asthma flare-up, the large airways in the lungs slowly begin to narrow. This slows the speed of air moving through the lungs. A peak flow meter can help show the narrowing of the airways well before an asthma attack happens. A peak flow meter can help you determine:
- When to get emergency medical care
- How well an asthma treatment plan is working
- When to stop or add medicine as directed by your healthcare provider
- What triggers an asthma attack, such as exercise
A peak flow meter can help you manage asthma. It can give you and your healthcare provider information about how open the airways are in your lungs.
Inhaler Technique Check
What is the Inhaler technique?
This is how you use your inhaler. The correct technique is specific to the inhaler type, so you need to understand the right steps for
your type of inhaler.
- Increased use of reliever
- Greater use of emergency services
- Worsening asthma control
As part of the new Asthma Support Service launch, all tests and checks included in this service will be FREE for a limited time.