The same issues that cause climate change are often blamed for increases in asthma diagnoses. Pollution, ozone levels, and other irritants in the air can make breathing problems worse. Air pollutants exacerbate asthma and cause other health issues such as heart and lung disease.
In an ironic twist, one of the best treatments for asthma has a significant carbon footprint. Metered-dose inhalers are commonly used for both long-term and fast-acting asthma treatment. These inhalers rely on chlorofluorocarbons to push a pressurized dose of medicine into your lungs. Chlorofluorocarbons have a negative effect on the earth's ozone layer. Many nations have been reducing the production of chlorofluorocarbons since the 1990s, but they still play a large role in treating asthma.
If you are concerned about your carbon footprint, you might be worried about the ecological effects of your asthma inhaler. You can have a conversation with your doctor about your treatment options. Alternative treatments available have a much lower impact on the environment. However, if your metered-dose inhaler is the best medicine for you, you should not consider changing it.
One alternative to metered-dose inhalers is dry powder inhalers. These devices have pre-measured doses of medicine in a very fine powder form. Instead of the device pushing the medicine into your lungs, you need to inhale it with a strong intake of breath.
A recent study had subjects switch from a metered-dose inhaler to a dry powder inhaler. The researchers found that study participants continued to have good asthma control with the new inhalers. They also measured the carbon footprint of the two treatment methods. The participants who switched to powered dose inhalers cut their asthma-related carbon footprint in half. Additional analysis shows that people preferred the DPIs to metered dose inhalers. They find the DPIs easier to use and have fewer issues with getting inhalation technique just right. The therapeutic effects are comparable to traditional inhalers so there is no reduction in efficacy.
If you want to try switching to a dry powder inhaler, talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if that change will control your asthma as well as your current routine.
