New film to help with inhaler use
Date posted: 26th October 2017
Better Care Together is releasing two new films which aim to help users of inhalers to get the maximum benefit from them.
The new films join 11 others in Better Care Together’s suite of self-care films published on YouTube, which have been now viewed in excess of 8,000 times.
Muhammad Farhan Amin a GP in Barrow in Furness, said “Incorrect inhaler use means that people who use inhalers may not be getting the full benefit of them. Ensuring people are using their inhalers correctly is absolutely essential to maintain control over their condition and prevent exacerbation.
“There are more than five million asthma sufferers in the UK, which is roughly one in 11 people and every ten seconds someone is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. There is currently no cure for asthma, however treatment can help control the symptoms and many sufferers are able to lead normal and active lives.
“Cold or damp air can enter the airways and trigger them to go into a spasm, causing asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. Winter can be a difficult time for people with asthma for other reasons too. It's difficult to avoid the cold and flu viruses that many people say make their asthma symptoms worse, although being vaccinated against flu each year can prevent you getting the most common strain of flu virus.”
The new films feature Karen Donaldson, Respiratory Physiotherapist, and Alison Brenton, Specialist Respiratory Occupational Therapist, from Cumbria Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, and aim to show patients how to correctly use inhalers and look after themselves.
Dr Amin added “Each film gives a step by step guide on correct inhaler use and we want everyone who uses an inhaler to watch and pass on to others the excellent learning.
“As the weather gets colder the use of inhalers amongst our community doubles so its particularly important we use these medications properly. These films offer excellent advice, so if you know of any inhaler users share the link or show them the films.”
Dry powder inhaler: