Are inhalers safe to use? This pulmonologist answers the question

The power of inhaler stigma 

Despite the clear medical necessity of inhalers in asthma management, a pervasive stigma has emerged, discouraging individuals from seeking the relief they urgently need. This silent barrier not only affects the quality of life for those with asthma but also poses potential risks to their overall health.

“Stigma related to inhaler usage is the negative attitudes and beliefs that people may have about using an inhaler. This can include the belief that people with asthma who use inhalers are weak, lazy, or drug addicts. It can also include the belief that using an inhaler is addictive, embarrassing or that it is a sign of a serious illness,” Dr Pasha explains to South First.

He clarifies that inhalers are not addictive but a necessity.

Stigma related to inhaler usage can have several negative consequences for people with asthma. “This stigma can also lead to people avoiding using their inhaler when they need it, especially in public, which can worsen their asthma symptoms and its severity. In some cases, the stigma can lead to people altogether avoiding treatment for their asthma, which can have far-reaching consequences,” Dr Pasha says.

Exploring the root causes of this stigma Dr Pasha, points out, “People can be misled by unauthorised individuals, including relatives, friends, or unqualified healthcare providers.”

Dr Pasha notes that asthma is a condition prone to recurrence when exposed to triggers and because of its recurrent nature, it is sometimes exploited by unqualified therapists who claim that using inhalers are detrimental to one’s health.

“This misinformation often includes false promises of curing a condition like asthma, which is fundamentally allergic and prone to recurring symptoms unless managed with maintenance treatment,” he says.

Advocating the need for inhalers, he adds, “Asthma cannot be definitively controlled or permanently eliminated. While some individuals may experience a reduction in symptoms over time, there are no guarantees. Therefore, it is recommended to continue inhalers with a maintenance dose for as long as symptoms persist, which could be for an extended period or even a shorter duration.”

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Addressing the stigma scientifically

To address this issue, Dr Pasha outlined several scientific approaches:

Education campaigns: Awareness campaigns can be used to educate the public about asthma and the importance of inhaler usage. These campaigns can be conducted through a variety of channels, such as television, radio, print media, and social media.

School programmes: School programmes can be used to educate students about asthma and inhaler usage. These programmes can be taught by school nurses, teachers, or other qualified professionals.

Research studies: Research studies can be conducted to better understand the causes of stigma and how to develop effective interventions to address it. For example, researchers could conduct surveys or interviews with people with asthma to learn about their experiences with stigma.

Support groups: Support groups can provide people with asthma with a safe and supportive environment to discuss their experiences with the condition. These groups can also be used to educate people about asthma and inhaler usage.

Educational workshops: Educational workshops can be used to teach people about asthma and inhaler usage. These workshops can be conducted by healthcare professionals, patient advocacy organizations, or other qualified professionals.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy: Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that can be used to help people identify and change negative thoughts and beliefs. CBT can be used to help people with asthma reduce the stigma associated with inhaler usage.

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Beating the stigma needs combined efforts

Dr Pasha emphasises the role of healthcare professionals in addressing this stigma. “Pulmonologists and physicians should invest time in educating asthma patients about the necessity of inhaler therapy, as well as providing information on its safety and proper usage,” he states.

He reiterates, “Asthma is a condition with low awareness and a stigma attached to it, which can lead to patients ignoring their symptoms and avoiding proper evaluation. Consequently, they may become vulnerable to the misguided advice of unauthorised and unqualified therapists.”

Dr Pasha adds that by implementing scientific approaches, there is hope to reduce the stigma associated with inhaler usage and improve the overall quality of life for individuals managing asthma.

He highlights the need for collaborative efforts, “It’s essential to combine efforts from healthcare professionals, researchers, educators, and the community to create a more inclusive and understanding environment for individuals managing asthma through inhaler use. This way, we can ensure that people with asthma receive the support and treatment they need without the burden of stigma.”