Are you using your inhaler correctly?
MORE than 300,000 asthma sufferers may not be using their inhaler correctly experts warn – and it could make their condition worse.
Health Minister Leo Varadkar last night joined the call for people with asthma to get their inhaler technique checked.
Incorrect usage results in poor symptom control and worsening conditions.
Asthma Society of Ireland boss, Sharon Cosgrove said: ‘Two out of three of Ireland’s 470,000 people with asthma may be unknowingly aggravating their condition simply by not using their inhalers correctly. So we have created a range of information videos to help anyone in Ireland with asthma check that they are using their device correctly and getting the full benefit of it. With new types of inhalers having come onto the market, there is a real need for these videos which are short, easy to understand and we feel will be of real benefit to anyone with or caring for someone with asthma.’
The videos are available to access for free on asthma.ie.
The Irish Pharmacy Union is supporting the campaign through their 1,600 member pharmacies across Ireland and all pharmacists are offering a free inhaler checking service throughout this month.
Mr Varadkar said: ‘The Asthma Soci- ety’s Inhaler Technique campaign, supported by the IPU is a great initiative and I would encourage every person with asthma to get their technique checked and get it right.’
President of the IPU, Kathy Maher said having the correct inhaler technique is absolutely essential for those who suffer from asthma to get the most out of their medicines. ‘We would encourage people with asthma to bring their inhalers to their local pharmacy and the pharmacist will be able to provide them with the practical advice they need for using their inhalers properly,’ Ms Maher said.
Pheena Kenny, head of Health Promotion for ASI said many errors in using inhalers are possible due to the number of stages in using an inhaler. She said: ‘Some inhalers need to be shaken, others don’t. With some inhalers you need to breathe in slowly and deeply, others hard and fast. There is wide variation so errors are common in up to 80 per cent of the population with asthma.’
She said the types of errors vary from person to person. ‘It is important that medication reaches the lungs and has the desired effect.’
Ms Kenny added that it is vital that inhalers are inserted into the mouth between the teeth, with lips closed around the mouthpiece, ensuring a good seal with the lips. She said: ‘The important thing is to check your technique at every opportunity with your healthcare professional.’