Asthmas sufferers have nothing to fear from new environmentally friendly inhalers, according to three campaigning doctors.
The medical experts moved to reassure users after asthma charity leader and Aberdeen university rector Martina Chukwuma-Ezike claimed people might die from the new devices.
She spoke out last week in response to a new government plan to replace the typical “metered dose” inhalers with “dry powder” alternative inhalers, where clinically appropriate.
It’s hoped switching patients to the greener alternative will cut down 79,000 tonnes of CO2 created by the more common inhalers every year.
Ms Chukwuma-Ezike is worried if she suffers an asthma attack she will not have enough breath of her own to get the inhaler to work.
“Lives should not be sacrificed on the altar of some nonsense, green agenda dreamed up by people who do not know the first thing of what it is like to live with asthma,” she claimed.
Today, doctors in the Highland Healthcare for Climate Action group say the new inhalers will be better for the planet and can improve some patients’ symptoms.
Highland doctors say green inhalers could work better for patients
Dt Stephen Thomas, a consultant respiratory physician, said people with asthma and other chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) will not be given inappropriate devices.
“There is very good evidence that almost all people who have asthma and COPD can breathe in strongly enough to use this type of inhaler, including people who are having an asthma attack, as it is usually the breath out that is most affected,” he said.
Metered dose inhalers are often used “incorrectly” which can lead to poor symptom control, so the new environmentally-friendly inhalers may actually be better at controlling a person’s asthma, he added.
Read more: Aberdeen University rector tells SNP to rethink asthma inhaler plan ‘before people die’
Dr Thomas said those with severe problems may still be prescribed a metered dose inhaler in case they have a particularly bad asthma attack.
They could still use one of the environmentally-friendly inhalers for day-to-day use.
He was supported in a letter from GPs Dr Andrew Dallas and Dr Alice Scriven, who are also part of the campaign group.
Environmental benefits
The doctors rejected Ms Chukwuma-Ezike’s “green-washing” claims.
Dr Thomas said: “The propellant gases used in metered dose inhalers are between 1,000 and 3,000 times as potent as carbon dioxide in their contribution to global heating.
“The use of just one metered dose inhaler is equivalent, in greenhouse gas emissions, to driving for 175 miles in an average, non-electric car.
“For a dry powder inhaler that distance is four miles.”
Their health will always be the overriding priority.
– Dr Stephen Thomas
The action group said the current widespread use of metered dose inhalers is also “out of step” with most other European countries which have already switched to environmentally-friendly inhalers.
Dr Thomas added: “Those with asthma and COPD can be reassured that their health will always be the overriding priority.
“There is potential for considerable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from their reduced use, and the changes will be beneficial for many patients.
“The most important thing in all of this is that patients with asthma and COPD should ensure that they try to respond to invitations from their GP practices for an annual review.
“This will help us to ensure they are on the best treatment they can be, which is our top priority.”
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