Inhaler Technique Vital for Asthma Control

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PDF printable version of Inhaler Technique Vital for Asthma Control (PDF 19 KB)

5 May 2009

Australians of all ages who use ‘puffers’ (inhalers) for asthma have been urged to make sure they are using the right technique to get the medication directly into their lungs.

The Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Senator Jan McLucas, said puffers were only effective in controlling asthma if used correctly.

This year the theme of World Asthma Day is “You Can Control Your Asthma”, with a special focus on young children and the message to parents that “Your Child’s Asthma Can Be Controlled.”

Senator McLucas said people with asthma who used puffers, or parents of children using puffers, should ask their doctor or pharmacist to watch them while they used the inhaler and tell them if they were doing it correctly.

Alternatively they could go to the National Asthma Council Australia’s website - www.nationalasthma.org.au – which had a series of short videos demonstrating the correct technique for each different kind of inhaler.

Last November, the Minister for Veterans’ Affairs, Alan Griffin, launched a national campaign targeted at older people to improve their puffer technique.

Senator McLucas said there were a variety of puffers on the market and each kind required a special technique.

“I am sure that campaign has had a very positive impact but we need to make sure that people of all ages get their technique right,” Senator McLucas said.

“There are some alarming stories in the asthma community of incorrect puffer use.”

Correct inhaler technique depends on the inhaler type, so patients need to understand the right steps for their own inhaler. However, useful advice for all patients using an inhaler includes: checking that it is not empty before use; making a firm seal around the mouthpiece with your lips; and inhaling each individual dose one at a time.

The Asthma Foundations in each state and territory could also provide advice on inhaler use, and were accessible through a single 1800 number - 1800 645 130.

Asthma is a serious and potentially life threatening condition which affected more than 2 million or more than 1 in 10 Australians. It has been a National Health Priority for the Australian, State and Territory Governments since 1999.

Senator McLucas said the burden of asthma had fallen considerably in recent years due to action by governments, health professionals and community organisations, including the National Asthma Council of Australia and the Asthma Foundations.

The percentage of Australians with asthma fell from an estimated 11.6 per cent in 2001 to 10.2 per cent in 2004-05, and the number of deaths almost halved, from a peak of 964 in 1989 to 385 in 2007.

“Asthma remains a common cause of hospitalisation for children and we can make major improvements in management of asthma by adults and children,” Senator McLucas said.

“This means taking long term preventative medication to control their symptoms, and using the medication properly.”

Senator McLucas said the Australian Government was taking an active role in combating the disease, funding programs to prevent, treat and manage asthma as well as funding for treatments through Medicare and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.

Media contact: Derek Tipper 0434 663 757