Inhaler technique key for asthma

Patients with asthma are being urged to speak to pharmacies and other health professionals to ensure they are using their reliever medication effectively. 

NPS MedicinesWise Medical Adviser, Dr Jill Thistlethwaite, has advised asthma patients to limit time spent outdoors, as bushfire smoke spreads across the east coast. She said patients could reduce their risk of an adverse event by following an action plan. “We know that using an inhaler can be tricky, but good inhaler technique is key to getting the most from your medicines, which could be especially important when air quality is low,” she said.

“We encourage you to check your inhaler technique with a health professional or check out the tips on the NPS MedicineWise website. “If you are needing to use your reliever medicine more frequently or you have difficulty breathing, chest tightness or increased wheezing which are not responding to your inhaler as you expect, seek medical help.”

Source: pharmacydaily.com.au, viewed 6 December 2019