Millions of asthmatics are told to switch to green inhalers



[ad_1]

Millions of asthmatics are being told to switch to less polluting inhalers to help save the planet.

A health watchdog warns that only five puffs from the most popular devices have the same carbon footprint as a nine-mile car trip.

    Millions of Britons suffering from asthma are advised to replace their inhalers with harmless ones

Getty

Millions of Britons suffering from asthma are advised to replace their inhalers with harmless ones

About 70% of the inhalers used in Britain are gas-fired, which propels the drug into the lungs.

In comparison, these types represent only 10% of the Swedish market.

With the vast majority of the 5.4 million British asthmatics using inhalers, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence wants to encourage them to adopt greener alternatives.

The use of only 12 of these devices has the same carbon emission as a person traveling from London Heathrow to Paris.

The watchdog says UK patients should opt for less polluting devices that only contain dry powder.

These greener inhalers produce 25 times less carbon dioxide.

RECYCLING PLEA

This is the first time that the watchdog addresses the environmental criteria of a drug.

Authorities say that petrol devices, called metered-dose inhalers, are only needed for patients who have trouble breathing deeply.

Professor Gillian Leng, deputy general manager of Nice, said: "People who have to use metered-dose inhalers must absolutely continue to do so, but if you have a choice of a green option, think about it. ;environment.

"Reducing carbon emissions is good news for everyone, especially for people with respiratory problems."

More than 26 million prescriptions for gasoline inhalers were written by general practitioners in England in 2016/17.

Dog watchdogs also want patients to return used inhalers to local pharmacies for safe disposal or recycling when available.

Samantha Walker, director of research and policy at Asthma UK, said: "Asthma attacks are not only terrifying, they can also be life threatening.

It is essential that people with asthma have the inhaler that best meets their needs and helps keep them well.

"If someone is considering changing an inhaler or needs advice, we recommend that they consult their general practitioner or asthma specialist nurse."

    Professor Gillian Leng, Deputy Director General of Nice, said:
Professor Gillian Leng, Deputy Director General of Nice, said: "Reducing carbon emissions is good news for everyone, especially for people with respiratory problems."
How to make sure you are using your inhaler correctly for asthma



[ad_2]
Source link