Poor asthma control still a major problem

“Inhaler errors and non-adherence to treatment are the key contributors to poor control. However, new approaches to treatment and management are changing the way forward for asthma patients,” says Professor David Price, professor of primary care respiratory medicine at the University of Aberdeen, who spoke on the topic: Beyond the inhaler: existing solutions and trends at the recent Cipla Respiratory Symposium.

He explains that an analysis of real-world primary care patients proved that the odds of achieving asthma control are significantly better for patients initiating ICS (inhaled corticosteroid) therapy via a breath-actuated device (BAI) or a dry power inhaler, compared with a pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), as well as patients who receive an ICS dose increase via BAI compared with a pMDI.

“The issue that remains is that asthma control is poor and a major reason is inhaler technique. This needs to be addressed with real urgency and more scrutiny. Patients should at least be in a position where they have access to the most appropriate inhalers for their specific needs and be able to operate their personal devices, as this is quite an unavoidable issue,” urges Price.

Significant global problem

He states that some of the reasons poor asthma control around the world include; poor disease control practices, incorrect estimation of disease severity and risk, inadequate symptom control, incorrect use of medication, poor inhaler technique or a lack of written and personalised asthma action plans.

Asthma continues to be a significant problem globally, as the Global Asthma Report lists the disease as the 14^th most important disorder in the world in terms of the extent and duration of disability.

“One vital aspect that has to be improved across the board is communication activities with regards to asthma treatment guidelines,” he says.