Inhalation technology crucial in asthma remedies

Proper use of asthma inhalers essential for the success of treatment

05/28/2013

Drugs for asthma should be due „the faster onset of action and better tolerability compared to tablets are preferably inhaled“, reported the Federal Association of German Pharmacists Associations (ABDA), citing the statement of the pharmacist Dr. med. Eric Martin at an international advanced training congress of the Federal Chamber of Pharmacists. However, with the inhalation technique, some important factors have to be considered in order not to jeopardize the success of the treatment.

According to Dr. Eric Martin, handling errors in asthma medications can not only worsen their effects, but also significantly increase the risk of side effects. Give here „Daily practice gives most asthmatics the subjective assurance that they are doing everything right“, but be it „unfortunately often a fallacy.“ In order to achieve an optimal effect of the inhalation drugs and to minimize the risk of side effects, the inhalation technique is crucial. However, many asthma patients are unaware of this relationship.

Hoarseness and fungal infections if used incorrectly
Basically, there are currently two different types of inhalants for asthma available. On the one hand, sufferers can „propellant-driven metered dose aerosols that function like small spray cans“, On the other hand, powder inhalers are available, „in which a drug-containing powder is distributed by inhalation in the air flow“, according to the ABDA. Especially with the powder inhalers the patients should According to Martin, inhale as much as possible. That's how the powder goes „swirled and transferred to a respirable size.“ If the patients breathe in slowly, they will form too large particles that will not reach the lungs when inhaled. The drugs are instead deposited in the mouth and throat, which „not only limits the effectiveness, but depending on the active ingredient also lead to side effects such as hoarseness or fungal infection in the oral cavity“ can, reports the Federal Association of German pharmacists.

Asthma medications need to be inhaled deeply
According to the expert, the opposite of powder inhalers applies to propellant-filled MDIs. Here you have to inhale as slowly as possible to properly transport the released aerosol into the lungs. With rapid inhalation, the highly accelerated particles would settle in the mouth, Dr. Martin. Regardless of the inhalers used, the asthma medications should be general „inhaled as deeply as possible so that the whole lung comes into contact with the active substance“, reports the ABDA. After inhaling, hold the breath for five to ten seconds to achieve an ideal effect. According to ABDA, the longer the respite lasts, the better the particles can settle in the respiratory tract. With powder inhalers should also be exhaled only through the nose, otherwise the humid air could get into the device and the remaining powder threatens to clump.

Advice on the use of inhalers
In general, asthmatics should use pharmacy advice to regularly learn how to optimize the handling of their inhalers. Martin. This is particularly important, since most asthmatics are treated in parallel with several drugs, which could lead to confusion. Therefore, patients need „Know the device-specific differences and have the correct use repeatedly checked at the doctor or pharmacy“, stressed Martin and added: „Often can be improved in this way with very little time, the treatment success.“ (Fp)

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Picture credits: Andreas Morlok