Urgent warning as 1 in 4 asthma sufferers risking their lives with inhaler mistake – are you one of them?
MILLIONS of Brits with asthma are potentially risking their lives by not using their inhaler properly, UK experts have warned
The UK has one worst death rates from the lung condition in Europe, with 12,000 people having had fatal attacks since 2014.
About one in four (28 per cent) asthma patients are overusing their inhalers, according to a small survey published in the prestigious British Medical Journal (BMJ).
With over seven million people in the UK affected by asthma, this suggests up to two million people could be puffing away too much.
“This is particularly concerning because using an inhaler beyond its labelled number of doses may have serious effects on both disease control and patient safety,” the researchers wrote.
Overusing an inhaler puts people more at risk of an asthma attack, hospitalisation and even death, because their asthma is less likely to be under control.
A 2016 study from the University of Arizona found that the overuse of albuterol — a common inhaler medication – can also increase the risk of depression.
For the research, doctors from hospitals across the UK, in collaboration with inhaler manufacturer Chiesi, examined 2,614 pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) returned through a recycling scheme.
pMDIs are the most commonly prescribed inhalers for asthma, accounting for the majority of all inhaler prescriptions in the UK.
The team also surveyed patients who use these inhalers, to find out how they used their devices.
Of those with dose counter inhalers – which show how many puffs are left – 34 per cent of patients were overusing.
And in those with inhalers without dose counters, 23 per cent did the same.
This means that 28 per cent of users overall overuse their inhalers
More than half (55.2 per cent) of people using inhalers without dose counters didn’t know when their inhaler was empty.
And 20.6 per cent of those with dose counters kept using their inhalers after the counter hit “zero.”
Dr Andy Whittamore, GP and Asthma and Lung’s UK’s clinical lead, previously told The Sun not taking asthma drugs properly could prove fatal.
He warned: “It is extremely important that people with asthma in the UK take their medication properly.
“Otherwise it won’t prevent them from having asthma symptoms – or save their life if they have an asthma attack.”
It comes as the first-ever injection for asthma attacks is being developed, marking the first new treatment in 50 years.
How to use your inhaler properly
When using your inhaler, it’s important to follow the correct steps for the best results.
If it’s a new inhaler or hasn’t been used for five days or more, start by testing it.
Shake the inhaler, then spray once into the air to make sure it’s working.
Next, remove the cap and check the mouthpiece for any blockages. Give the inhaler another shake before you get ready to use it.
Stand or sit up straight and tilt your chin slightly upwards to help the medication reach your lungs.
Before inhaling, breathe out fully. Place your lips around the mouthpiece to form a tight seal, then breathe in slowly and steadily as you press the inhaler once.
Keep breathing in until your lungs feel full, then remove the inhaler from your mouth and hold your breath for up to 10 seconds, or as long as comfortable. Exhale gently.
If you need a second puff, wait 30 seconds to a minute, shake the inhaler again, and repeat the steps.
Once you’re finished, replace the cap. If your inhaler contains steroids, rinse your mouth with water and spit it out to reduce side effects.
The frequency of using a pMDI depends on the type.
A reliever inhaler is used as needed for sudden asthma symptoms.
A preventer inhaler is taken daily to control inflammation and prevent future symptoms. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.