In many European countries today, studies show that patients use as few as 13% of pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs). This is different for England, which utilizes roughly 70% pMDIs. The majority of these inhalers, such as Ventolin, are specifically designed for relief purposes. The NHS Long Term Plan aims to reduce carbon footprint by up to 51% before the end of 2025. One effective way to make this happen is by having patients switch from using MDIs to DPIs. This move alone is effective in reducing carbon footprint by up to 4%.
While metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are effective, using their alternatives, such as dry powdered inhalers (DPIs) and soft-mist inhalers (SMIs) can also work effectively for patients. Interestingly, many asthma patients can easily and safely take the shift from pMDIs to these alternative asthma medications, which will also support the NHS’s Long Term Plan.
Understanding what metered dose inhaler (MDI) means
Metered dose inhalers (MDIs), also known as aerosol inhalers, are effective respiratory devices used for frequently providing asthma treatments. This type of asthma medication comes with a plastic container that features a mouthpiece. The mouthpiece houses the pressurized medicinal canister, which helps to deliver a reliable and measured dose of medicine through the mouthpiece when sprayed.
What exactly are dry-powdered Inhalers (DPIs)?
As earlier mentioned, dry-powdered inhalers are also effective for asthma treatment. Like MDIs, DPIs can help you deliver asthma medicine directly into a patient’s lungs.
Research has it that Salbutamol, which is administered as Ventolin or Salamol, provides a similar bronchodilator response. As such, GPs are taking steps to switch blue Salbutamol inhaler prescriptions from Ventolin to Salamol. One big reason is that MDI inhalers contain high levels of hydrofluorocarbons. Unfortunately, when released into the atmosphere, these hydrofluorocarbons can act as greenhouse gases, causing global warming.
Unlike Ventolin inhalers, Salamol inhalers have a canister that’s very small in size. While both inhalers carry the same asthma medication – salbutamol, Salamol only releases a small amount of this medication, all thanks to its small canister. Also, Salamol inhalers are known to contain less propellant. So, in all, these inhalers are environmentally friendly. They are effective for decreasing the carbon footprint and managing asthma symptoms effectively. The only thing usual is the taste, which is very different from what you’re used to when using MDIs, such as Ventolin.
Effect of global warming
Global warming is the long-term warming of the temperature of the entire planet. This situation often leads to different changes in climate, including the following:
- Hotter temperatures
- Severe & frequently occurring storms
- Warming rise in oceans
- Extended pollen seasons
- Increased drought
- Loss of species & lack of enough food
According to the World Health Organization, the effect of climate change due to global warming is one big health concern facing humanity. For instance, extended pollen seasons due to climate change could increase human’s exposure to pollen. Unfortunately, this can lead to several allergic reactions, which will significantly affect asthma patients.
According to recent studies, prolonged exposure to pollen has a strong connection with asthma attacks and frequent hospital admission rates. This explains why roughly half of the $3 billion in annual medical costs for pollen goes to prescription drugs. Furthermore, increased pollen concentration and prolonged exposure can up a patient’s sensitivity to allergens, leading to asthma attacks.
Tips on how to switch from Ventolin to Salamol inhalers
The bottom line is that you need to support the NHS Long Term Plan, which aims to reduce the carbon footprint and prevent global warming. Interestingly, you can do this by switching from Ventolin to Salamol inhalers.
Below are a few best practices taken by GPs to switch from Ventolin to Salamol inhalers:
- Local GPs switch to Salamol by sending their patients an AccuRx SMS message. This message keeps patients informed about the effects of the high carbon footprint of their Ventolin inhalers. It also informs them of the importance of switching to a more environment-friendly Ventolin alternative, such as Salamol.
- Furthermore, GPs take steps to swap from Ventolinfor Salamol inhalersby discussing the importance of environment-friendly Ventolin alternatives during a patient’s annual asthma review.
- The best practices also include talking to patients about the overuse of MDIs or reliever inhalers and the importance of switching to sustainable alternatives.
