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What causes symptoms?

When an asthmatic person comes in contact with irritants, it causes the muscles around the bronchioles to contract. When these ring-like muscles contract, they cause airways to become narrower. In addition to this the airways of patients are already inflamed, restricting breathing even further and causing the production of extra mucous.

Together all of these actions can make it very difficult for a sufferer to breathe, as fresh air can't reach the lungs via the bronchiole. If this is allowed to worsen it can eventually lead to an attack.

It is not fully understood why some people have this condition, but the majority of people who do seem to have some sort of predisposition to it. It is thought that factors such as a mother smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of her child getting asthma.

Asthma triggers

Factors that increase a patient's risk of experiencing symptoms are known as triggers. Not all patients are sensitive to the same triggers and they can be anything such as food, dust mites, some types of viruses and bacteria, chemicals, scents, smoke, strenuous exercise or air pollutants to name a few. It's important to know what your triggers are and to avoid them when possible or to be prepared with the right medications when exposure is unavoidable.

Asthma symptoms

They are very distinct and may occur sporadically during the day, at night while you are sleeping, after exercising or after exposure to irritants. These include: Breathlessness, wheezing, tightness around the chest or coughing up of mucous. These aren't always severe, but even if you've only ever experienced mild symptoms, you can still benefit from managing your condition effectively.

What treatments are available

In rare cases children may 'outgrow it' or some people may even experience a lack of symptoms just for it to return years later. However for the majority of people it is a lifelong condition that requires proper management. Luckily there are many different treatments that can help you ensure that your asthma remains under control and that you are comfortable.

Treatments can usually be divided into two groups: preventers and relievers. Both types of treatments are most commonly administered with the help of an inhalation device so that they can get to work inside the lungs where they can provide the most benefit. However, they can also be administered in other forms. Preventers are daily treatments that contain corticosteroids most of the time. This is a natural steroid that works against airway inflammation. Reducing inflammation in airways can make them less sensitive and with time can also help ease breathing.

Relievers are used as and when they are needed because they help to relax airways when they suddenly become tight due to exposure to an irritant. They work as bronchodilators. Relievers such as Ventolin are normally recommended alongside preventers in a patients asthma management programme.

Ordering asthma treatment online

If you would like to have your preventer or reliever inhaler delivered to your door, you can place an order online at 121doc. To ensure patient safety we ask all our patients to complete an online consultation form so that our doctors can make sure that you are prescribed a treatment online if it's safe for you to use. Approved orders are sent to the pharmacy from where treatments are shipped with a secure overnight or next day courier service. If you live in the London area you may even receive your treatment in as little as 2 hours.

View all treatments

  • Review by a qualified doctor
  • Including prescription
  • Next-day delivery included
Preventers

Preventers are designed to offer long-term relief for asthma sufferers. They use steroids to reduce inflammation and sensitivity, in case you come into contact with irritants.

If you are already being prescribed a treatment, you can order online here.

Clenil Modulite
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£25.99
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Flixotide
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£27.99
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Pulmicort
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£38.99
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Qvar
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£31.99
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Seretide
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£48.99
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Symbicort
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£74.99
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Atrovent
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£27.99
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Relievers

Relievers should be used to provide quick relief during or before an attack. They work by opening your airways, to ease breathing difficulties.

If you have already been prescribed a treatment, you can order online here.

Ventolin
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£19.99
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FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

None of these options will incur an additional charge.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.