2008 Woodie Awards
Inhaler misuse detrimental to health
Improper use of medicine puts people at risk of more complications
Chris Davies
Issue date: 11/6/07 Section: News
A recent study has shown that close to one-third of people suffering from asthma or chronic obstructive disease are using dry powder inhalers incorrectly.
This is putting these patients at risk of potentially developing dangerous complications from their disease.
Inhalers are used to deliver medication to the lungs to reduce the airway inflammation and airway muscle constriction caused by asthma. The study, conducted at the University of Heidelberg, involved 224 patients of varied age and severity of disease. Of this group, researchers reported that 32 percent blew into their inhaler instead of taking in a fast, deep breath, this is considered a serious technical error.
The study involved four dry inhaler products, of those used researchers found rates of error ranging from nine percent to 53 percent depending on the product.
The groups that had the most reported errors when using the inhalers were older patients, those with more severe airway constriction and patients who had not been properly instructed on the proper use of their inhalers.
Annette Koch, a junior political science and communications major commented that her doctor, "Made sure I knew exactly how to [use the inhaler], and made sure I knew severity of my asthma." Koch added that because of her doctor's instruction she did not have problems using her inhalers.
One of the doctors involved in the study said nearly one-third of the patients involved were simply instructed to read the package insert for usage instructions.
"Counseling is an integral part of a pharmacists' job. For all new medicines prescribed we offer counseling to the patients. If we don't do this then we haven't done our job," Patrick Moraleda, student health service pharmacist, said.
"Patient education on correct use, sequencing, storage and dose counting is essential. Repeated reminders help to improve compliance and inhaler efficacy," Joseph A. Woelfels, said in the March 2005 Pharmacist's Letter.
This is putting these patients at risk of potentially developing dangerous complications from their disease.
Inhalers are used to deliver medication to the lungs to reduce the airway inflammation and airway muscle constriction caused by asthma. The study, conducted at the University of Heidelberg, involved 224 patients of varied age and severity of disease. Of this group, researchers reported that 32 percent blew into their inhaler instead of taking in a fast, deep breath, this is considered a serious technical error.
The study involved four dry inhaler products, of those used researchers found rates of error ranging from nine percent to 53 percent depending on the product.
The groups that had the most reported errors when using the inhalers were older patients, those with more severe airway constriction and patients who had not been properly instructed on the proper use of their inhalers.
Annette Koch, a junior political science and communications major commented that her doctor, "Made sure I knew exactly how to [use the inhaler], and made sure I knew severity of my asthma." Koch added that because of her doctor's instruction she did not have problems using her inhalers.
One of the doctors involved in the study said nearly one-third of the patients involved were simply instructed to read the package insert for usage instructions.
"Counseling is an integral part of a pharmacists' job. For all new medicines prescribed we offer counseling to the patients. If we don't do this then we haven't done our job," Patrick Moraleda, student health service pharmacist, said.
"Patient education on correct use, sequencing, storage and dose counting is essential. Repeated reminders help to improve compliance and inhaler efficacy," Joseph A. Woelfels, said in the March 2005 Pharmacist's Letter.
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