Asthma

Asthma does not usually prevent donation and the majority of people who suffer from asthma can donate blood. Only difficult-to-manage asthma that is treated with theophylline product, cortisone tablets or biological drug causes a long-term obstacle to donation.

Exacerbation of asthma causes a temporary obstacle to blood donation, because a drop in blood haemoglobin concentration can increase and even aggravate asthma symptoms during this period. The majority of asthma medications, such as all inhalants and bronchodilators and their combinations, are allowed for donors. Also leukotriene antagonist tablets (e.g. Singular® and Montelukast®) used for the treatment of allergic asthma, are permitted drugs for donors.

Would you like more information? Please call the free information number for blood donors on 0800 0 5801 (Mon to Fri from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).