Asthma Inhalers To Change To Help The Environment, UK

Main Category: Respiratory / Asthma
Article Date: 13 Nov 2007 - 3:00 PDT

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One of the most commonly used forms of treatment for people with asthma is being replaced by an inhaler which is more environment friendly.

CFCs have been used in asthma inhalers for a long time and are safe to use for people with asthma. However they are gradually being phased out because of their damaging effect on the earth's ozone layer.

The change will affect people with asthma who are currently using an aerosol preventer inhaler which contains CFCs (usually brown, beige or dark red). People with asthma with an aerosol reliever inhaler (usually blue) will not need to make any changes as these are already CFC-free.

The medicines in the CFC-free preventer inhaler work in the same way as the medicine in inhalers with CFCs. They are safe and just as effective as they continue to control the swelling and inflammation in the airways, stopping them from being so sensitive and reducing the risk of an asthma attack. Only the propellants used have changed.

Kate Jarvis, Health Promotion Manager for Asthma UK said: 'If you use a CFC-containing preventer inhaler, you should continue to use it as prescribed until you have had a consultation with your doctor or asthma nurse and together you've agreed an alternative. Once you have decided which inhaler device is best for you, your doctor or asthma nurse should show you how to use and take care of your new inhaler. They should also provide you with an updated written personal asthma action plan to help you manage your asthma.

If you change to a CFC-free preventer inhaler it is important to ensure that you are happy with your new inhaler and how it is working for you. If you are not happy with your new inhaler for any reason, it is important that you go back to your doctor or asthma nurse to find the device and medicine that suits you best.'

Asthma UK has produced a factfile that lists all the affected preventer inhalers and their CFC-free alternatives. It also provides more general advice about the switch to CFC-free inhalers. These can be downloaded from our website at asthma.org.uk/cfcfree

Notes:

1. In accordance with the 1987 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, all products that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) are, where possible, being replaced with CFC-free alternatives.

2. Asthma UK is the charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of the 5.2 million people in the UK whose lives are affected by asthma. For up-to-date news on asthma, information and publications, visit the Asthma UK website http://www.asthma.org.uk

3. Asthma UK is the major funder of asthma research in the UK. Each year we spend approximately £3 million on research which includes project grants, four fellows, and two professors.

4. For independent and confidential advice on asthma, call the Asthma UK Adviceline, which is staffed by asthma nurse specialists. It is open weekdays from 9am to 5pm on 08457 01 02 03. Or email an asthma nurse at http://www.asthma.org.uk/adviceline

http://www.asthma.org.uk