Ineffective asthma inhaler use tackled

[Posted: Mon 14/04/2008 by Deborah Condon - www.irishhealth.com]

Asthma affects almost a half a million people in Ireland – the fourth highest rate worldwide. However a new public awareness campaign aims to help patients improve their symptoms.

The campaign, which has been launched by the Asthma Society of Ireland, involves pharmacists, GPs and practice nurses. The aim is to help patients improve their symptoms by managing their inhaler technique more effectively.

If people do not use their inhalers effectively, they can be severely restricted in terms of physical activity and are more likely to be admitted to hospital. Currently, acute asthma attacks are responsible for 6,000 hospital admissions every year and an additional 26,000 A&E visits.

According to Galway pharmacist, Darragh O’Loughlin, people often use more of their inhaler than they actually need. Aside from the ineffectiveness of this, it is an ‘unnecessary cost’.

During the month of April, asthma patients are being urged to ask their pharmacist about inhaler technique, in order to ensure the best possible relief of symptoms.

Studies of community pharmacy-based services available in other EU countries, such as Denmark, Holland and Finland, have shown positive effects on patients when a care model involving pharmacists has been introduced. The Asthma Society is using the Finnish model as a ‘benchmark model of success to adopt here in Ireland’, explained the society’s CEO, Jean Holohan.

“Our primary objective is to see asthma well managed. The role of the pharmacist in reinforcing good inhaler technique could be invaluable to patients, as research has shown that inappropriate use of inhaler devices contributes directly to lack of asthma control”, Ms Holohan said.

This was backed up by Mr O’Loughlin, who said that pharmacists are ‘ideally positioned’ to help people control their asthma.

“Small changes in managing the condition, such as better inhaler technique, effective use of inhalers, avoiding over-reliance on emergency inhalers and proper care and maintenance of inhalers can make a huge difference to the health of a patient”, he explained.

Posters and cards are on display in pharmacies nationwide. Furthermore, a special DVD providing practical demonstrations on inhaler technique and the correct use of spacers (a device which helps children to take their medication more effectively) can be viewed on the Asthma Society’s website at…
http://www.asthmasociety.ie/inhaler/index.html

For more information on asthma, see our Asthma Clinic, which was developed in association with the Asthma Society, at… http://www.irishhealth.com/clin/asthma/index.html

hammer  Posted: 14/04/2008 17:35

Pity the HSE are trying to close all pharmacies bar Boots of course.

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