Are You Using Your Inhaler Correctly?

Millions of people rely on inhalers to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), a progressive lung disease that affects approximately 30 million Americans and is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Despite the critical role of inhalers in treating COPD, a recent European study has found that improper inhaler use is rampant, contributing to worsening symptoms and poor disease management. The study, led by Dr. Gaël Grandmaison of the University and Hospital of Fribourg in Switzerland, found that two-thirds of inhalers were misused, leading to inefficient symptom control, reduced quality of life, and increased hospitalizations. The findings were published in the journal Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: Journal of the COPD Foundation and shed light on the need for better patient education and tailored inhaler solutions. Why Inhaler Misuse Is So Common COPD patients face several challenges when it comes to inhaler use. In Grandmaison’s study, the researchers analyzed 160 inhaler devices used by 96 COPD patients. A staggering 69 percent of inhalers were used improperly, mainly due to “critical errors” in the patients’ inhalation techniques. Another 17 percent of inhalers were found to be unsuitable for the patients using them. Several factors contribute to this widespread...