Studies show that most asthma patients use their inhalers incorrectly
Facts | 21/08/2022
Your inhaler plays a key role in helping you breathe easier. How and when you inhale are important factors when managing your asthma symptoms.
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Are you using your inhaler correctly? Probably not, as several studies prove that as many as 80 per cent of asthma patients fail to use their inhalers the right way.1 These findings are echoed in studies around the world.
Poor inhaler technique might actually be bad for your asthma. It’s estimated that only about 40 per cent of the medicine reaches lungs if patients fail to use their inhalers correctly. The wrong technique can also increase potential side effects.
Choose an inhaler you like
Interestingly, studies also suggest that your relationship with your inhaler might affect your technique. Statistically those asthmatics who are happy with their inhaler are having better asthma control.2
Yet, a recent study of asthmatics found that most patients played a limited or no role in choosing their inhalers.1 The researchers suggested that patients might be able to improve their inhaler technique if they were more involved in selecting an inhaler they’d like to use.
That said, there could be need for a chat with your physician, nurse, or pharmacist about your satisfaction with your inhaler. They can also provide feedback on your inhaler technique.3 It’s fairly common that a patient’s technique hasn’t been rechecked since the first training session.4 Bad habits learned early stick easily.
Practice makes perfect
Luckily, there are many sources that offer simple ways to improve your inhaler technique. Remember to check the patient information leaflet provided with your inhaler. Many inhaler providers also publish more information and guidance on their website. It’s good to practise using your inhaler in a calm situation when the asthma symptoms are under control.
The right technique ensures that the medicine finds its way properly into your lungs – and helps you better manage your asthma.
By Justin Petrone
Photo by iStock
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References:
- Jahedi, L. et al. (2017). Inhaler Technique in Asthma: How Does It Relate to Patients’ Preferences and Attitudes Toward Their Inhalers? Journal of Aerosol Medicine and Pulmonary Drug Delivery, 30(1), 42–52. http://doi.org/10.1089/jamp.2016.1287
- Plaza V et. al. (2018) Impact of patient satisfaction with his or her inhaler on adherence and asthma control. Allergy Asthma Proc 39:437–444; doi: 10.2500/aap.2018.39.4183 https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/ocean/aap/pre-prints/content-4183
- Sulaiman I et.al. (2018) A randomised clinical trial of feedback on inhaler adherence and technique in patients with severe uncontrolled asthma. Eur Respir J. 2018 Jan 4;51(1). http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/51/1/1701126
- Bryant L, Bang C, Chew C, Baik SH, Wiseman D. Adequacy of inhaler technique used by people with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. J Prim Health Care. 2013 Sep 1;5(3):191-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23998169
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the yellow card scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
May 2023 / RESP-330i
Orion is a globally operating Finnish pharmaceutical company - a builder of well-being for more than 100 years. Orion develops, manufactures and markets human and veterinary pharmaceuticals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. Respiratory diseases are one of Orion’s core therapy areas. Orion's net sales in 2018 amounted to EUR 977 million and the company had about 3,200 employees. Orion's A and B shares are listed on Nasdaq Helsinki.®
As a forward-looking pharmaceutical company, Orion continues to invest in research and development of treatment options for people with asthma and COPD. The focus is on safety and quality in each step of the product life cycle while taking care of the environment. Sustainability is entwined in the whole process from R&D through manufacturing. It is also required of Orion’s providers. Orion is committed to keeping the best possible control of the environmental impacts of their own factories by reducing energy consumption and the impact of their waste waters, among others, and is making good progress in that regard. Orion works to ensure that suppliers have procedures in place to control and reduce their own environmental impacts as well. All aspects of sustainability - social, economic and environmental - are carefully considered in the whole product life cycle, including patient use and the disposal of old inhalers.
