ARE YOU USING YOUR INHALERS CORRECTLY? #20
The total direct cost of asthma in the US
Numerous studies have shown that errors or
poor technique in handling an inhaler was present in between 14% and 90% of the
asthmatics studied. Other studies have shown that proper inhaler education was
associated with improved lung function, decreased school absenteeism and fewer
ER visits. The fault of poor inhaler technique does not always fall on the
patient but can be traced back to inadequate or poor educational attempts.
The patient’s own beliefs are sometimes a
factor to be dealt with. Denial or lack of faith in the medication are areas of
contention. Individual preference for one type of inhaler over others is
another issue. When the HFA inhalers were introduced, many asthmatics were
convinced that they did not work well since the force of the propelled drug,
taste, “coldness” were absent. With proper education beforehand, these problems
may have been averted.
Another issue healthcare providers must
remember that the education process is not a one time thing. The asthmatic
should repeat their inhaler process and regular intervals to be sure they are
using their inhaler properly. Cleaning of the device, which is often overlook
by the professional, is paramount in a proper working inhaler.
In conclusion, if you have questions about
your devices whether they are MDI’s, dry powder (DPI) or single or multiple use
devices- ASK, ASK, ASK !!!!! Don’t let your healthcare provider think you know
how to use your inhaler when you don’t. They won’t think you are being a
problem.
- Price D, et al., Inhaler competence in asthma:
Common errors, barriers to use and recommended solutions, Respiratory
Medicine (2012), http://dx.doi.org/101016/j.rmed.2012.09.017
No comments:
Post a Comment