Asthma and the Environment
Inhalers are amazing, changing the lives of millions for the better. But they differ, in the way they work but also in how they impact the planet.
Some types of inhalers contribute heavily to global warming. These are the Meter Dose Inhalers (MDIs) which contain a strong greenhouse gases.
The UK uses more Meter Dose Inhalers (MDIs) than many other countries. Sadly our asthma control isn't better as a result.
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Is your inhaler eco-friendly?
There are many people who could switch to more eco-friendly inhalers. What's more, people often prefer them to their previous inhalers.
How do inhalers impact the planet?
Discover the surprising environmental impact of inhalers. Not all inhalers are created equal. We're here to unravel the eco-story.
Metered Dose Inhalers (MDIs). – These use a metal gas canister which delivers medicine to the lungs with a press. But here's the twist: the propellants inside, Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), area heavyweights in the greenhouse gas arena. They escape into the air, acting like a warm blanket, trapping heat from the Sun and Earth. You might be shocked to learn – HFCs have a warming potential over 1000 times greater than carbon dioxide!
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Dry Powder Inhalers (DPIs). – These inhalers on the other hand do not need a gas canister. Instead you breathe in quickly and the medicine rushes into your lungs. This makes them much better for the environment – around 20 times better.
Is it important? Yes!
The NHS has set bold targets to become the first Net Zero Health Service by 2040. Inhalers make up 3% of the NHS total emissions. This is a huge proportion when you think about it - all the other medicines, hospitals, GP practices and vehicles running all year round!
Picture this: if 30% of inhaler users make the switch from MDIs to DPIs, we're talking about saving 374ktCO2E annually. That's equivalent to the emissions from powering 47,000 houses each year!1,2
Take a look at this graph. Consider the carbon footprint of different aspects of asthma care.
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This is measured in KgCO2E. – a unit representing the equivalent carbon dioxide production causing global warming.
More contact with healthcare providers mean a greater impact on the environment.
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Here you can see the difference between well and poorly controlled asthma.
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In this hypothetical example, the well controlled person requires their regular inhalers and an annual asthma review.
A contrast to the second with poorly controlled asthma. They need more 5 GP visits for their breathing. They also have an asthma attack needing a 2 night stay in hospital via ambulance.
The person with well-controlled asthma not only feels better but also has a way lower environmental impact. — in this example four times less than someone with poorly controlled asthma. So, taking charge of your asthma isn't just good for you; it's a step towards a healthier planet too!
How Do I Improve My Asthma Control?
01
Use your preventer
In asthma, your immune system becomes too strong and over-reacts to things in the environment, like pollen. This makes your lungs swell, causing the common asthma symptoms: cough, wheeze, and tight chest.
Most people with asthma need a steroid inhaler to treat this. These inhalers have medicine similar to chemicals your body makes that calm the immune system and stop it from over-reacting. This type of inhaler is called a preventer inhaler (usually brown).
A common problem is that people don’t use their preventer inhalers regularly enough to control asthma. Instead, they use their rescue or reliever inhalers (usually blue) too much. The preventer inhaler takes time to build up in your body and doesn’t work right away. It can be tempting to skip using it when you do not see a quick response. Whilst the rescue inhaler gives quick relief it doesn’t last long and doesn’t treat the cause of asthma.
Using a preventer inhaler regularly is one of the best ways to control asthma.
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If you have been given a spacer for your inhalers - use it!
It is a great way to squeeze the most out of your inhalers.
Tradimus, CC BY-SA 3.0
via Wikimedia Commons
04
Know your triggers
There are common triggers for worsening asthma. Know what your triggers are so you can avoid them. Some of the most common are smoke (particularly smoking), pollen, animals, dust and weather changes. Whilst of course you can't always avoid them, doing your best could reduce your symptoms.
If you need help to stop smoking, the NHS can help. Click here.
05
Keep vaccinated
The flu jab and pneumococcal vaccines are free to those with asthma on the NHS. These protect you against these infections which can be severe for those with asthma. Your GP practice can help you get up to date with your vaccines if needed.
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Is just 1 inhaler better than having 2?
It is becoming more common to use just one type of inhaler to control asthma instead of two.
These methods are called AIR (Anti-Inflammatory Reliever) or MART (Maintenance and Reliever Therapy) regimes.
With this approach, you only need one inhaler. It has two medicines in one, working as both the preventer and the reliever inhaler. You can use this inhaler when you are wheezy or your asthma gets worse. If needed you can also use it daily to control and prevent asthma.
This can be a simple and effective way to manage asthma that works well for many people. If you are interested in this, discuss it with you GP surgery.