Research by charity, Asthma + Lung UK[1], has found that as many as one in five people with Asthma may be unknowingly using the wrong inhaler.
There are two types of inhaler:
- A reliever inhaler, which reduces symptoms, and:
- A preventer inhaler, which should be used on a daily basis to keep down inflammation and swelling in the airways.
Reliever inhalers are typically blue and you should only need two or so a year according to the charity, however some were found to be using triple that, getting through six or more every year.
The guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) around preventer prescriptions are outdated and need to be updated to highlight how important it is to prescribe a preventer inhaler alongside reliever inhalers, according to the charity.
The research by the charity found that many people are relying on their reliever inhaler rather than using the preventer on a daily basis, meaning that their asthma is less likely to be under control and placing them at risk.
Annually, 75,000 people are hospitalised for asthma every year with four people dying from the condition each year.
If you are unsure on which inhaler to use and how to use your Asthma medication, consult with your GP for further advice. Always ensure that you plan ahead of any travel to ensure that you have the correct inhalers to avoid being caught in a potentially dangerous situation where you have run short.
Further reading
Source – Daily Record
[1] Asthma + Lung UK
Medical Negligence – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation regarding a medical negligence matter. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Research by charity, Asthma + Lung UK[1], has found that as many as one in five people with Asthma may be unknowingly using the wrong inhaler. There are two types of inhaler: A reliever inhaler, which reduces symptoms, and: A preventer inhaler, which should be used on a daily basis to keep down inflammation and swelling in…
Allergic Reaction – Case Study
Anyone who has an allergy is likely to have the worry of accidentally ingesting the allergen when their food has been prepared by someone other than themselves.
When eating out, on…
View
Hand Injury – Case Study
Our client approached us in relation to a Medical Negligence claim arising out of medical treatment following an injury to their hand which was sustained in an assault.
Our client …
View
Incorrect Medication – Case Study
Our client approached us after she was incorrectly dispensed the wrong medication following falling ill with tonsillitis.
Shortly after taking the medication she began t…
View
