Experts Evaluate Use of Allergy And Asthma Devices

Inhalers and adrenalin auto-injectors are usually prescribed to patients with asthma and severe allergies, but instructions on how to use these devices are not often taught, according to various research groups. Incorrect use of these medical devices reduces the efficacy of the treatment. Proponents of the studies call for improved advisory among medicals professionals to make sure that inhalers and injectors are used efficiently during asthma and severe allergy attacks.

Allergy UK reports that some people who had allergy attacks had trouble following the instructions on auto-injector use. Maureen Jenkins, clinical director of Allergy UK, said that patients should be given specific information on how to use various types of auto-injectors and inhalers. The charity has an ongoing information campaign on proper usage of these devices to treat allergic asthma. A recent study at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) also stated that only 16 percent of U.S. patients prescribed with epinephrine-injectors for severe allergies used the devices properly. Injector users would usually have the mistake of not keeping the device in place for at least 10 seconds upon activation. Some patients fail to position the device correctly and to push the injection adequately.

Asthma outcomes have improved for the past years, but complacency can trigger rise in incidence and complications. The use of inhalers is costly for many patients, and so it is important that the medication is used properly. Asthma UK said that many asthma sufferers tend to breathe in more or less of the prescribed amount due to improper use of inhalers. Another common error noted by the US study is pumping in the medication without the user exhaling or shaking the inhaler first. Only 7 percent of asthma patients use the inhalers correctly.

Lead author of the study, Dr Rana Bonds attributes these common errors to lack of training or instruction on how to utilize these devices or failure to recall how to use them properly. For improved and optimized usage of asthma and allergy devices, specialists suggest detailed and clearer prescription on the part of the health professionals and reassessment of use among the users.