Many people do not realise they aren’t using their asthma or COPD inhaler (puffer) correctly.
Although it might seem simple, it can be hard to get the steps just right without an expert showing you how. And if it’s been a while since you were last shown, it’s easy for little mistakes to slip into your routine.
Pharmacy students Andrea Davis and Jack Buckley are now conducting free asthma technique checks at the Canowindra Pharmacy, for all people who are currently using inhalers. Especially now that winter has arrived and cold and flu bugs are spreading, it is essential that someone suffering from asthma know how to use their inhaler correctly in case of an episode brought on by seasonal bugs.
Up to 90% of patients are not using their inhalers correctly, resulting in inefficient asthma control.
Manager of Canowindra Pharmacy, Vicki Grant believes that using your inhaler correctly cannot only save your life but save you a few dollars as well.
‘With the right technique you can be sure the dose prescribed by doctors, is the same as the dose received by your lungs. Using your inhaler properly can give you better control of your asthma or COPD, meaning you may need to take less medication meaning less expenditure and more savings”, Vicki explained.
Pharmacy student’s Andrea Davis and Jack Buckley are encouraging everyone who uses an inhaler to come in and have their techniques checked.
“We will get the patient to demonstrate how they use their inhaler, and then we will show them what the right way is if they are using it incorrectly. It only takes 5 – 10 minutes”, Andrea explained.
So please visit the Canowindra Pharmacy now for your free asthma technique check. If you would like to bring your own inhaler you can, otherwise the Pharmacy stocks all types of inhalers you can use.