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When used in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits and additional preventive measures to avoid triggers, asthma medications can help you control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks. Read on to learn more.

A Guide to Common Asthma Medications | Alto Pharmacy

If you’ve ever had an asthma attack or watched a friend or family member experience one, you know how uncomfortable it is when you are struggling to breathe. But while asthma, a chronic disease that affects more than 25 million Americans, may not be curable, it is certainly manageable. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or severe, you can live an active life by working with your doctor to establish a treatment plan.

When used in tandem with healthy lifestyle habits and additional preventive measures to avoid triggers, asthma medications can help you control symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.  However, because there is lots of variation in how different people experience asthma, there isn’t a standardized, one-size-fits-all approach to asthma medications. For some people with mild cases of asthma, rescue medications that offer quick relief from acute asthma symptoms are enough, while moderate to severe cases often involve long-term maintenance medication.

Read on to learn more about the main types of asthma medications that your doctor may prescribe.

First, let’s discuss how to tell if you have asthma. The condition doesn’t look the same in each person, and an individual’s asthma symptoms may change over time, but common signs include:

Trouble sleeping because of coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath

Coughing or wheezing intensified by the cold or flu

If you experience persistent coughing or wheezing for more than a few days or any of the symptoms above, consult with your doctor. An asthma diagnosis is based on your medical history, an evaluation of your symptoms, a physical exam, and lung tests.

You may find that your symptoms flare up in certain situations, like during exercise, or that they are intensified by environmental triggers like allergies. In these cases, you may have to take extra precautions when engaging in specific activities or supplement your asthma medication with allergy treatment. Your doctor can help you determine your specific treatment needs.

Learn how to prevent seasonal allergies and reduce symptoms of allergy-triggered asthma.

Quick-relief asthma medications for acute symptoms

People with asthma often need immediate relief when symptoms flare up. Quick-relief or “rescue” asthma medications help in these situations. Used on an as-needed basis, these medications relax airway muscles to open the lungs and relieve shortness of breath and wheezing within minutes. They can stop an asthma attack in progress or help prevent exercise-induced asthma.

Common quick-relief asthma medications include:

Albuterol (branded options include ProAir® HFA, Proventil® HFA, Ventolin® HFA)

Inhalers are the most common form of quick-relief asthma medications. Albuterol and Levalbuterol are also available as a liquid solution for nebulizer use.  Common side effects of this medication class include nervousness or shakiness, headache, throat or nasal irritation, and muscle aches. There are also some known severe side effects, including allergic reactions like hives, a rapid heart rate, or heart palpitations. If you have any concerns, contact your doctor to discuss treatment options.

You may be able to manage mild or exercise-induced asthma symptoms with quick-relief medications alone. However, treatment for more persistent asthma symptoms often involves long-term control medication.

While rescue medications can help treat acute asthma symptoms during an asthma attack, long-term control medications are taken regularly to prevent symptoms from escalating in the first place. They are a very important component of asthma treatment for those with more serious symptoms.

There are two main types of long-term control medications for asthma: inhaled corticosteroids and combination inhalers that contain both corticosteroids and long-acting beta agonists (LABAs).

Inhaled corticosteroids like Flovent® HFA and Qvar Redihaler® reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, making them less likely to react to asthma triggers. They are primarily taken via inhaler. Their effectiveness depends on daily use, and they are not effective at treating acute asthma attacks. It may take several months to see improvement in asthma symptoms from using inhaled corticosteroids.

Inhaled corticosteroids typically do not cause serious long-term side effects, but long-term use in children has been linked to slight delays in growth. However, the benefits generally outweigh the risks. If you have any concerns, your doctor can help you make the best choice for your child’s asthma treatment.

Read our previous blog for more information on managing your child’s asthma.

Mouth and throat irritation and oral yeast infections have also been known to occur as a result of using inhaled corticosteroids. As a precaution, rinse your mouth with water after each dose to prevent infections.

Long-acting beta agonists (LABAs), a type of bronchodilator medication that opens airways and reduces swelling, can be used on an ongoing basis to control moderate to severe asthma. However, some research has linked this medication class to serious asthma attacks. The risk is strongest when a LABA is used on its own. For that reason, they are typically taken in combination with an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS).

Common ICS/LABA combination inhalers include:

Fluticasone and salmeterol (Advair Diskus®)

Fluticasone and vilanterol (Breo Ellipta®)

Combination inhaler side effects are similar to those of inhaled corticosteroids used alone.

In some cases, if severe symptoms persist even after using inhaled corticosteroids and combined ICS/LABA inhalers, oral corticosteroids like Prednisone and Methylprednisolone, may be used to treat severe asthma attacks. Your doctor can explain more about the potential risks and side effects of these medications if relevant to your treatment plan.

If your asthma is triggered by allergies, allergy medications may be a part of your asthma treatment plan. There are a variety of over-the-counter and prescription allergy medications, including oral antihistamines like Claritin®, Allegra®, and Zyrtec®, decongestants like Afrin® and Sudafed®, and corticosteroid and cromolyn nasal sprays. Your doctor can work with you to find the best treatment option for your allergy symptoms, so that you can avoid allergy-induced asthma attacks. However, allergy medication isn’t a substitute for asthma medication.

Remember to be patient with yourself as it may take some time to find the best asthma medications for your symptoms. Discuss the potential for side effects with your doctor and reach out to our team if you have any questions during the course of your treatment. 

Alto is here every step of the way to make it easy to manage your asthma symptoms. Our team of pharmacists is available to answer questions about your asthma medications, and we offer free, same-day delivery and medication management tools like reminders and auto refills in our app.

Reach out via phone at 1-800-874-5881 or in-app messaging to learn how Alto can support your asthma treatment plan.

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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If you are diagnosed with COPD, you may find it more challenging to do some of your favorite activities. The good news is that COPD is a highly treatable condition. Here are five ways to experience a full life after a COPD diagnosis.

Five COPD Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Life

Breathing is central to so many parts of our day that life inevitably changes after a diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs airflow from the lungs. If you are diagnosed with COPD, you may find it more challenging to do some of your favorite activities, which can feel discouraging. The good news is that COPD is a highly treatable condition, and simple lifestyle changes can vastly improve your quality of life. Here are five ways to experience a full life after a COPD diagnosis.

There’s a reason it’s first on the list. Cigarette smoking is responsible for 85-90% of all COPD cases and as many as 8 out of 10 COPD-related deaths. Smoking cessation is the most important thing you can do to maintain a good quality of life and slow the progression of this lung disease.

Quitting can be challenging, so ask your doctor for smoking cessation resources to help make it easier. They may be able to prescribe nicotine replacement therapy to help with withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

Secondhand smoke exposure also contributes to COPD. Up to 1 in 4 people living with this lung disease have never smoked cigarettes. Even if you don’t smoke yourself, avoiding secondhand smoke at home or at work is critical to managing COPD.

Watch our recent webinar for more on the role of smoking cessation in COPD treatment.

Living with COPD and asthma: healthy lifestyle tips

Believe it or not, exercising when you are short of breath actually makes it easier to breathe because it strengthens your respiratory muscles. With frequent physical activity, the body learns how to use oxygen more efficiently. For people living with a lung disease like COPD, moderate exercise improves all of the following:

As you plan your new exercise routine, consider gentle exercises that don’t overexert the lungs like gardening, golfing, and slow walks. Your doctor can offer guidance on the best activities for your needs.

If you’re on supplemental oxygen, you’ll use it while exercising. Work with your doctor to adjust your oxygen flow rate as needed. Bring a rescue inhaler with you too in case symptoms flare up.

Our diet can greatly impact our breathing. Various nutrients produce different levels of carbon dioxide as you metabolize them. Carbohydrates produce more while fat produces the least. For that reason, many people with COPD have found that a low-carb, high-fat diet leads to easier breathing. Here are three additional tips:

Being too full makes it difficult to breathe. Opt for 4-6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of heavier meals.

It’s important to stay hydrated, but limit the amount of liquids you consume with meals, since they can also make you feel full.

Cleaner air naturally makes for easier breathing. Beyond keeping your home a smoke-free zone, avoid perfumes, cleaning products, and personal care and hygiene products with strong odors. Instead, look for natural, non-toxic products. Air purifiers and vacuum cleaners with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter will also help clear the air.

Living with a serious lung disease brings emotional challenges in addition to physical ones. It’s understandable to experience sadness, anxiety, or fear — sometimes all three at once. Do small things to take good care of yourself. Staying active, even on the days when exercise doesn’t seem appealing, can clear your mind. Journaling, breathing exercises, and meditation are great strategies to manage stress.

We’re here to support your COPD treatment plan

It’s important to have a strong support network, which looks different for each person. Whether sharing your experiences with close friends and family, joining a support group, or talking to a mental health professional, make sure you’re never alone in navigating life with COPD.

At Alto, we’re committed to making it as simple as possible to get the COPD medications you need. We offer same-day delivery and user-friendly medication management in our app. And our team of pharmacists are always here to answer your questions by phone or in-app messaging, and will even remind you when your inhaler or other medications are due for a refill. Reach out to learn how Alto can support your COPD treatment plan.

If you’re allergy-prone, this time of year goes hand in hand with itchy eyes, congestion, heavy sneezing, and other unpleasant allergy symptoms. Here’s a quick primer on how to prepare for spring allergies.

The Best Ways to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

Spring brings everything out of hibernation: baseball, perennials, and seasonal allergies, as millions of people in the U.S. unfortunately know all too well. If you’re allergy-prone, this time of year goes hand in hand with itchy eyes, congestion, heavy sneezing, and other unpleasant allergy symptoms. The good news is that small preventative steps, like extra cleaning and paying attention to pollen counts, can reduce your exposure to allergens. Here’s a quick primer on how to prepare for spring allergies.

Spring is a time of growth and renewal, and the science responsible for the fresh green leaves is also what causes pollen allergy symptoms. Pollen is a tiny grain that’s essential for plant reproduction. While some plant varieties count on insects to carry the tiny particles from one plant to another, others — like grasses and native trees including oaks, cedars, and birches — are wind-pollinated. That means these plants produce vast amounts of pollen to ensure the next generation of plants have a high chance of reproduction. Unfortunately for your sinuses, it can trigger allergic reactions that are uncomfortable and irritating.

As you’re waiting for winter to end, you may find that your allergy symptoms have already arrived. Trees start to release their pollen in late winter and early spring, while grasses pollinate in late spring. There’s lots of regional variation too, so depending on which part of the country you live in, you might experience pollen allergy symptoms as early as February or as late as fall.

While wind pollination is the primary source of seasonal allergies, mold also releases spores in the spring which travel by wind and can cause allergy symptoms.

What are the most common allergy symptoms?

As spring breezes begin to disperse pollen and mold spores, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive, leading to allergy symptoms like the following:

Hives may occur in some cases, though they are rare.

People with asthma should take extra precautions, as the same substances that trigger seasonal allergies — and even those that trigger year-round allergies, like pet dander — can also trigger acute asthma attacks. Allergy-triggered asthma, which is relatively common in children, affects the lungs and may lead to coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or rapid breathing.

With COVID-19, this year’s spring season poses some additional challenges for asthma sufferers, even as vaccination numbers increase. If you have asthma, follow the suggestions below on how to prevent spring allergies and learn more about asthma coping strategies during COVID.

We can’t change how susceptible our bodies are to allergies or asthma, but we do have some control in preparing for seasonal allergies and preventing pollen allergy symptoms. Here are three prevention tips.

After more than a year of travel restrictions, remote work, and limited access to public spaces, we’re all understandably eager to spend lots of time outdoors, where — you guessed it — there’s plenty of pollen in the air. You can limit your exposure to allergens and reduce your chances of an allergic reaction by taking a few extra steps before going outside. Check the local pollen count online — most weather apps include this as well — and take allergy medication in advance if the forecast is high. Pollen counts are typically highest in the morning, so consider opting for an indoor workout rather than an early run. In general, it’s best to stay inside when it’s dry and windy while rainy days offer a reprieve for allergy sufferers.

You’re unlikely to completely eliminate all allergens from your house, but there are some steps you can take to keep indoor air as clean as possible:

Turn on the AC instead of opening the windows when pollen counts are high.

Use a dehumidifier to keep indoor air dry — while dry days have higher pollen counts, too much humidity indoors can lead to mold growth and dust mites, intensifying allergy symptoms.

Vacuum at least once a week, ideally using a vacuum cleaner with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter, which catches smaller particles like allergens.

When you’re ready to head home, avoid bringing the pollen back with you by changing and washing your clothes and taking off your shoes as soon as you’re back. Drying clothes in a dryer is better than putting them on a clothesline, where they’ll likely gather more pollen.

Top Over-the-Counter Treatments for Seasonal Allergies

There are a variety of medications used to manage allergy symptoms, including the over-the-counter treatments below. It may take some trial and error to find the best relief for your seasonal allergies, so if you’re still sniffly after exploring several options, don’t worry: a healthcare provider can work with you to find the best solution for your needs.

A saline sinus rinse flushes allergens out of your nose to relieve congestion.

Oral antihistamines like Claritin, Allegra, and Zyrtec are helpful for sneezing, itchy, runny nose, and watery eyes.

Decongestants like Afrin and Sudafed offer temporary relief from congestion, but they should only be used for a few days, as longer-term use may aggravate allergy symptoms.

Nasal sprays like Flonase and Nasacort ease pollen allergy symptoms and can be used preventatively even before symptoms appear.

Learn more about how to manage any potential medication side effects.

If your seasonal allergies persist even after preventative steps and over-the-counter medicine, there are other treatment options that may bring you more lasting relief. Our team of patient care pharmacists will work with your doctor to get you the allergy medications you're prescribed at the lowest cost, and we’re happy to answer your questions about allergy symptoms, asthma, or any other health concern. Download the mobile app for secure messaging or call 1-800-874-5881. 

Whether you’re wondering if your child has asthma or they’ve already been diagnosed, here are the common symptoms to look out for, the treatment you can expect.

How to Manage Your Child’s Asthma

Of the over 19 million people who have asthma in the United States, nearly 6 million of them are children. This chronic disease makes it hard to breathe and thus can affect every aspect of your child’s life, from school to play. And with allergy season just around the corner, you might hear extra coughing and sneezing around the house. Whether you’re wondering if your child has asthma or they’ve already been diagnosed, here are the common symptoms to look out for, the treatment you can expect, and the impact COVID-19 could have on those with asthma.

What are the signs my child might have asthma?

The signs and symptoms of asthma can vary by child but, in general, some common signs your child might have the disease include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. The severity of these will also vary, with some cases being mild and manageable and more severe cases requiring emergency care.

Symptoms appear when your child is exposed to triggers like pollen or smoke. Triggers cause the airways to become inflamed, which causes swelling and mucus production, and leads to an overall narrowing of the air passageway making it harder to breathe and leading to the above symptoms. 

Since symptoms of asthma can be signs of other ailments as well, it can be difficult to always know if what your child is experiencing is asthma. Coughing, for example, can also be a symptom of a cold or the flu. Another asthmatic symptom—wheezing—could also be caused by bronchitis or another respiratory problem. 

This is where other asthmatic signs like your child saying “I’m always coughing” or “My chest feels funny,” can be helpful. Either way, if your child shows any of these symptoms, it can be a good idea to make an appointment with your doctor so your child can start getting treatment if needed.

Your doctor will likely use a few different methods to test if your child has asthma. First, they’ll ask for your child’s medical history, where they can share symptoms and any triggers they may have noticed. Then the doctor will conduct a physical exam which will look at your child’s nose and throat, their breathing, and skin for any signs of allergic conditions. They may also conduct a series of lung function tests and a chest or sinus X-ray.

The doctor will then look at the results of these tests to discern if your child has asthma and what type. From there, they will develop a treatment plan based on the type and severity of your child’s symptoms.

A quick-relief inhaler may be enough to keep symptoms under control for mild cases of asthma. Depending on how your child is doing, more treatments can be added if needed. Maintenance treatments can help reduce the need for quick-relief inhalers. In fact, how often these inhalers are used is an indicator of asthma control for doctors and can help them determine the proper treatment plan. 

The second main aspect of treatment is avoiding triggers. The most common triggers include irritants such as air pollution, cold air, odors or smoke, as well as mold, dust mites, and pollen. Other triggers include sinus infections, exercise, heartburn, and allergic reactions.

Since the world is unpredictable, you can’t always control triggers, but you can take certain measures to help keep them in check, such as changing your diet when food reactions occur, minimizing smoking, and requesting an indoor air assessment. A variety of virtual asthma education classes and workshops are also offered online to help you learn best practices when it comes to prevention and treatment. 

What effect does COVID-19 have on my child’s asthma?

According to the CDC, those with moderate to severe asthma may be at an increased risk for more severe illness from the virus that causes COVID-19. To help reduce your risk, it’s recommended that you continue taking your current medicines, including any inhalers with corticosteroids in them. The CDC also recommends that you keep a 30-day supply of your asthma medications on hand so you don’t risk running out if you fall sick, need to quarantine, or otherwise can’t make it to the pharmacy.

In addition to these asthma-specific strategies, the everyday COVID-19 protocols of wearing a mask, socially distancing, and avoiding large crowds should be followed. If you’re worried that wearing a mask might affect asthma symptoms, research that came out last month showed that wearing a mask did not affect oxygen levels, regardless of whether the wearer had asthma or not. 

If you have concerns about your condition or think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, you should call your healthcare provider. If you don’t have a provider, you can contact your nearest community health center or health department. 

Many people live normal lives with proper asthma management. A good treatment plan, guidance from your doctor, and a reliable pharmacy can help you manage your child’s symptoms so they can keep doing most of those everyday activities they enjoy. 

We’re here to help your child breathe easier

Whether you need to get your child’s first inhaler or obtain prescription refills, Alto is here every step of the way. Our pharmacists are on hand to answer any questions and our pharmacies around the country are fully stocked with asthma medications. We’re prepared and ready to deliver your medicines throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. To ensure safety, we offer free, contactless drop-offs for every prescription, so you can get your refills on time in the comfort of your home. Reach out any time via in-app secure messaging or phone at 1-800-874-5881.

The health of your gut can impact everything from your mood to your immunity. Here’s what you need to know and how you can keep your gut healthy.

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours)

You may have noticed in recent years that the topic of gut health seems to come up a lot more in conversation and health news. Why is that? Over the past decade, scientists have been learning that your gastrointestinal (GI) system—of which your gut is a key part—does a lot more than just move food through your body. And that the health of your gut can impact everything from your mood to your immunity. Here’s what you need to know and how you can keep your gut healthy.

Gut Health 101: What It Is and Why It’s Important

Your body is full of trillions of microorganisms that make up your microbiome. Many of these microorganisms are bacteria. Some are harmful and associated with disease, while others are beneficial and key to your health. The ‘gut microbiome’ refers to the bacteria that live in the part of your GI tract where digestion happens—your large and small intestines—where, at any given time, we have between  300 and 500 different species of bacteria living. 

While everyone’s microbiome is unique, a general indicator of a healthy one is having a diversity of bacteria. In unhealthy people, scientists have observed much less diversity although they don’t know for certain which comes first—the bacteria or the disease. 

Inflammation, which studies point to as the root of many diseases, is kept in check in the gut. When the balance of your microbiome gets out of whack, inflammatory bacteria can take charge and, via metabolites, spread inflammation throughout your body. This can affect your brain, heart, and immune system function as well as your skin, weight, and ability to absorb nutrients. 

Having a healthy gut, on the other hand, has been linked to a stronger immune system, reduced symptoms of depression, lower risks of heart disease and certain cancers, as well as reduced symptoms of arthritis. 

So how do we keep our gut healthy? As with many other aspects of health, it largely boils down to the foods we eat and the lifestyle choices we make. Other factors like medication and emotional stress could also play a role. 

To start improving your gut health, it’s helpful to first look at what might be wreaking havoc on your microbiome. While there are many different symptoms that could point to an unhealthy gut, here are the most common.

Upset stomach
Signs of an upset stomach can include gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, and heartburn. When your gut is in balance, these symptoms should reduce, since your gut will have an easier time digesting and eliminating your food.

Poor sleep (or constant fatigue)
Serotonin, the sleep and mood hormone, is mainly produced in the gut. An imbalance in your gut can impair serotonin production and affect the quality of your sleep. 

Weight changes
Poor gut health can affect your body’s ability to absorb nutrients, regulate blood sugar, and store fat. Decreased nutrient absorption can result in the urge to overeat and unintentional weight gain. On the other hand, a bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine could cause weight loss.

Skin irritation
When your gut is inflamed, certain bacteria and toxins can leak out into the body, which could irritate your skin.

Autoimmune conditions
As mentioned earlier, research suggests that an unhealthy gut can lead to an inflammatory response in the body and affect your immune function. This could make you more susceptible to autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease where the body attacks itself rather than harmful invaders. 

Food intolerances
It’s theorized that food intolerances can result from an imbalance in the gut. When you’re intolerant to a certain food, you may experience symptoms like bloating, gas, abdominal pain, and nausea.

A high-sugar diet
Sugar, often linked to inflammation in the body, can decrease the amount of good bacteria in the gut. This can cause more sugar cravings, making the situation worse.

You don’t necessarily have to keep your gut under a daily microscope, but following some general health practices—from keeping a balanced diet to getting a good night’s sleep—can go a long way. Your healthcare practitioner can also give gut health recommendations. Here are some common lifestyle choices that research shows can improve gut health. 

Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your whole body, including your gut. Some ways to reduce stress can include exercise, meditation, yoga, connecting with friends or family, and decreasing caffeine consumption.

Having a good pre-bed routine can be as important as the sleep itself. Your pre-bed routine could include minimizing screen time and exercise. In terms of the ideal amount of sleep to log, the National Sleep Foundation has recommendations based on your age. 

3. Avoid smoking
Studies have found that smoking can increase the amount of potentially harmful bacteria in your gut, while decreasing the amount of good bacteria. It’s also been shown to affect heart and lung health, as well as increase your risk of cancer. 

Water helps everything from digestion to carrying nutrients to your cells. And it can help maintain the balance of good bacteria in your gut. Drinking at least four to six cups a day is recommended. 

5. Take a probiotic or prebiotic
Probiotics are live, good bacteria that can come in pill form or from foods like yogurt. Though the science is still out on the extent of the pills efficacy, there seems to be a general consensus that adding a probiotic can be a good idea to help restore your gut’s balance. Prebiotics are the food that probiotics can eat and are usually fiber-rich. Having prebiotics in your gut can help promote the growth of the good bacteria. 

6. Exercise regularly 
Working out may help increase gut health by growing the diversity of good bacteria in your gut. How much should you exercise? For general adults, the recommendation is at least 150 minutes a week or 20 minutes per day. 

Minimize the amount of foods in your diet that are processed or high in sugar or fat—all of which can lead to increased inflammation in the body. When it comes to gut-healthy foods, diversity is key. Here’s what studies show are best for your gut:

Fiber-rich foods like legumes, beans, peas, oats, bananas, asparagus, and berries

Fermented foods like kimchi, sauerkraut, yogurt, kombucha, tempeh, miso, and kefir

Garlic and onion which may also help minimize the risks of certain cancers as well as boost the immune system

Collagen-rich or collagen-boosting foods like salmon, bone broth, mushrooms, egg whites, and cashews

Gut health can be key to helping everything from your brain to your immune system function properly. To keep your gut microbiome healthy, a key place to start is with a balanced diet as well as healthy lifestyle practices. Even though we can’t see our gut, there are many symptoms that can help let us know when ours is out of balance and needs some attention. 

If you are concerned about the potential effects of your medications on your gut health, talk to an Alto pharmacist. Our team of patient care pharmacists are ready to help whenever health questions come up. Reach out any time phone call (1-800-874-5881) or in-app secure messaging.

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours) 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your lungs healthy to avoid or manage COPD. 

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

The delicate, branching structures of the lungs bear a striking resemblance to trees. The air you breathe travels down your windpipe, or trachea, and enters the lungs through two large tubes known as bronchi. Just like the roots and limbs of a tree, these tubes divide again and again into smaller bronchioles before finally ending in clusters of tiny air sacs called alveoli—what you might consider the leaves. 

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term inflammatory condition that obstructs the airflow from the lungs and makes it difficult to breathe. Although it's the third leading cause of death in the U.S., the good news is that it can be prevented and treated to slow the progression and maintain quality of life. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your lungs healthy to avoid or manage COPD. 

COPD refers to a group of progressive lung diseases, meaning the condition becomes worse over time. The most common are emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and many people with COPD have both of these conditions. 

Emphysema destroys the fragile air sacs in the lungs, which impairs the airflow. The air carrying carbon dioxide out of the body cannot be adequately expelled and some remains trapped in the lungs. Fresh, oxygen-rich air is then blocked from entering the lungs, causing gradually worsening shortness of breath, even while at rest.

According to the Mayo Clinic, most people with emphysema also have bronchitis, which causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes. With bronchitis, mucus builds up in the lungs, spurring a persistent cough. 

The CDC reports that sixteen million Americans have trouble breathing due to COPD. However, they estimate that the actual number includes millions more who have not yet been diagnosed. 

In the vast majority of people with COPD, lung damage is caused by cigarette smoking. According to the COPD Foundation, about 90% of people with COPD are current or former smokers. However, damage can also be caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, including air pollution and workplace exposure to dust, smoke, or fumes. 

An estimated five percent of people with COPD have a deficiency in a protein known as alpha-1-antitrypsin, which causes the lungs to deteriorate and can also affect the liver. People with severe asthma can also progress into COPD. 

The most telling—and distressing—symptom of COPD is difficulty breathing. According to the Mayo Clinic, another major symptom is a constant cough that produces a lot of mucus. Additional symptoms may include chest tightness, wheezing, frequent respiratory infections, and fatigue. Severe COPD can cause swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet and weight loss. 

As a progressive disease, symptoms often begin mildly and may be confused for the common cold. But rather than clearing up after a week or two, the coughing and shortness of breath will continue to worsen over time and make daily activities more difficult. 

Unfortunately, by the time COPD symptoms appear, there may already be significant lung damage. Symptoms will continue to escalate, particularly if smoking or exposure to lung irritants continues. With proper intervention and treatment, however, most people with COPD can slow the disease’s progression and maintain their quality of life. 

People with COPD often experience flare-ups known as exacerbations. During these episodes, symptoms become much more severe for several days or weeks and may require treatment with antibiotics, oral corticosteroids, and even hospitalization. 

Respiratory infections or inflammation triggers—such as air pollution, secondhand smoke, dusts, fumes, or other toxic substances—are common causes of exacerbations. Anyone who experiences a marked increase in coughing, difficulty breathing, or mucus in the lungs should seek immediate medical attention. 

The best way to prevent COPD is to never smoke or stop smoking now. Quitting isn’t easy for most people, so it’s a good idea to enlist your healthcare provider’s support.  They may recommend nicotine replacement products or medications that can help. 

The CDC offers a variety of resources that can help you quit smoking, including a free text message program (text QUIT to 47848) and their quitSTART app, which is available for both Android and iOS. The Mayo Clinic outlines ten tips to help you resist the urge to smoke that you may find helpful as you get started. 

It’s also important to avoid secondhand smoke exposure and occupational exposure to chemical fumes and dust. If you work with any type of lung irritant, the Mayo Clinic advises talking with your supervisor about the best ways to protect yourself, like using respiratory protective equipment. 

Staying active will not only improve your overall health; it will also strengthen your lungs. The American Lung Association recommends getting thirty minutes of moderate physical activity five days a week. Both aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercises will benefit your lungs, so you can include anything from brisk walking to weight lifting to vigorous household cleaning. 

Lastly, make sure to get your annual flu vaccine each fall, as well as a pneumococcal vaccine, to prevent infections that can weaken your lungs. 

While there is no cure for COPD, treatment can ease symptoms and lower the risk of complications like heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, pulmonary hypertension, and depression. 

COPD can be treated with medications, supplemental oxygen therapy, and surgery. However, many people with mild forms of the disease may only need to quit smoking and avoid other inflammation triggers. 

The most common medications used to treat COPD include: 

Bronchodilators, which usually come in inhalers and relax the muscles around the airways to make breathing easier. 

Inhaled corticosteroids, which help to reduce airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations. 

Oral steroids are sometimes used in short courses during periods of exacerbation to prevent further worsening of symptoms.

Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are used for severe COPD. These medications decrease airway inflammation and relax the airways.

Theophylline may be used when other treatments are ineffective or if cost is a factor. It may help improve breathing and prevent exacerbations but can cause side effects like nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, and tremors.

Antibiotics may also be used to treat respiratory infections but are generally not recommended for prevention. 

Often, a combination of these medications is used to treat COPD. Inhaled medications are taken using a device called an inhaler, which allows the medication to be absorbed straight into your lungs. If you’re prescribed a new inhaler, one of Alto’s pharmacists can walk you through how to use it.  Not all inhalers work the same way, so learning the proper technique is crucial for ensuring adequate therapy.

People with COPD are also generally prescribed a pulmonary rehabilitation program. These individually tailored programs combine exercise, nutrition advice, and counseling to prevent exacerbations, slow the progression of symptoms, and improve quality of life.

Those with insufficient oxygen reaching their blood may benefit from supplemental oxygen therapy. It involves using a lightweight, portable device to deliver oxygen directly to your lungs as needed.

Surgery may be an option for those with severe COPD, particularly severe emphysema. It’s usually reserved for when other types of treatment have failed. 

Because breathing is so elementary, it’s easy to take it for granted. But so many of the activities we enjoy—and life itself—depend on the healthy function of our lungs. 

When breathing becomes difficult, life can change drastically, so it’s important to find support. That may mean sharing your feelings with a close friend or family member, joining a support group for people with COPD, or enlisting the help of a mental health professional. 

Above all, it’s critical to follow your treatment to avoid worsening symptoms. At Alto, we want to make getting the COPD medications you need as easy as possible, so we offer free hand-delivery, automatic savings investigations, and user-friendly medication management through our website and app. We always have a team of pharmacists on-call to answer your questions by phone, text, or chat, and we’ll even remind you when your inhaler or other medications are due for a refill, then schedule a time to drop them off. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how Alto can support your COPD treatment plan, our team is available from 9 am – 12 midnight ET Monday – Friday, and 10 am – 9 pm ET on weekends. Download the mobile app for secure messaging or call 1-800-874-5881. 

This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Following prevention guidelines like mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing is still the surest way to stay safe. In addition, here are seven strategies to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic if you have asthma.

Seven Strategies for People with Asthma During COVID-19

As COVID-19 infection rates surge across the country, asthma is making its way into news headlines. Research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at the end of November suggests that people with asthma may be at reduced risk of contracting the coronavirus. 

The researchers stressed that further study is needed, and possible explanations are still being explored. But the news may be welcome for people with asthma—a chronic lung condition that causes inflammation in the airways—who are facing an additional threat to their lungs from COVID-19, which primarily affects the respiratory system.  

This singular study is no reason to relax on preventative measures, however. The CDC has warned that those with moderate-to-severe asthma who do contract COVID-19 may be at a higher risk of serious complications, including asthma attacks, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress.

Following prevention guidelines like mask-wearing, social distancing, and handwashing is still the surest way to stay safe. However, in addition to doubling down on these efforts, here are seven strategies to follow during the COVID-19 pandemic if you have asthma:

Right now, prevention is still our best defense against serious illness from COVID-19. Though rising infection rates may mean that restrictions will tighten in the short term, eventually, the gradual phases of reopening will begin again. Remember that most reopening guidelines center on those who are not at a higher risk of COVID-19 complications. Anyone who is considered high risk due to age or an underlying medical condition, including moderate-to-severe asthma, should continue to take extra precautions as reopening in their area unfolds and adhere to the CDC’s recommendations for their specific condition. 

The coronavirus can survive on some surfaces for hours or even days; however, surface transmission does not seem to pose nearly as significant a risk as person-to-person contact. Nevertheless, the CDC advises cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly. 

This recommendation can present an issue for people with asthma. Many chemical sprays used to clean indoor spaces can trigger an asthma attack—a sudden onset of inflammation in the airways that can cause difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness.  

If possible, ask someone else in your household to disinfect surfaces and objects for you. If you need to take care of it yourself, be sure to choose disinfectants that are less likely to trigger an asthma attack. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) provides recommendations for green cleaning products and includes asthma safety ratings. 

When using cleaners or disinfectants inside, open as many doors and windows as possible. Use only the amount of product recommended on the label and follow the instructions carefully. It can also help to use wipes or a dampened towel rather than a spray to avoid inhaling aerosols while cleaning. 

The CDC recommends keeping an emergency supply (30 days’ worth) of your asthma medications on hand so you don’t risk running out if you need to quarantine, become sick, or otherwise can’t make it to the pharmacy. 

If you fill your prescription with Alto, we want to assure you that we are fully prepared to deliver your asthma medications throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. We offer free, contactless drop-offs with every single prescription, so you’ll receive your refills on time from the comfort and safety of home. 

There has been misleading information circulating online about inhaled corticosteroids (i.e. Flovent, Qvar, Pulmicort, and Asmanex)—a standard asthma treatment—possibly increasing the risk of contracting COVID-19. At the same time, other articles suggest ICS as a potential treatment for COVID-19. 

Experts are clear: there is not enough evidence to prove these assertions, and discontinuing treatment or misusing medications poses a real danger to people with asthma. If you have any concerns about your medications, continue to use them as prescribed, and reach out to your healthcare provider. Alto’s pharmacists are also on call to answer your questions by phone or in-app secure messaging.

The symptoms of an asthma attack (wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing) bear some similarities to the emergency warning signs of COVID-19 (trouble breathing, pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, and bluish lips or face)

If you’re experiencing asthma symptoms that do not respond to your treatment plan or symptoms that could indicate COVID-19 infection, seek immediate medical attention. For more information on the common symptoms of COVID-19 and other seasonal respiratory illnesses, read “Cold, Flu, or COVID-19? Your Seasonal Symptom Guide.” 

Find Ways to Cope with Stress and Anxiety

We are living in undoubtedly stressful times. Stress and strong emotions can be asthma triggers, so it’s essential to find ways to cope with anxiety during the pandemic and beyond. 

It’s impossible to avoid stress altogether, so don’t fall into a pattern of stressing about your stress. It’s much more helpful to regularly check-in with your emotional state and take steps to course-correct when you begin to become overwhelmed. 

Meditation, movement, healthy sleep habits, and social connection are effective ways to become more resilient during stressful situations. You might also consider practicing mindful breathing or another relaxation technique that you can use to calm your body and mind during a stressful situation. Your chosen method can be as simple as gradually lengthening and deepening your breathing or mentally telling each part of your body to relax. 

Blog

A Guide to Common Asthma Medications

Five COPD Lifestyle Changes for a Healthier Life

The Best Ways to Prepare for Seasonal Allergies

How to Manage Your Child’s Asthma

Why Gut Health Is Key (and How To Improve Yours)

Understanding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Seven Strategies for People with Asthma During COVID-19

A Holiday Guide to Health and Wellness

Your Heart Health Playbook During COVID-19

Fertility Patient Story: Tiffany Shares Her Experience with Alto

Heart Health Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Cold, Flu, or COVID-19? Your Seasonal Symptom Guide

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