Long Term Inhaler Use Can Be Addictive? Know Inhaler Myths And Facts

Asthma, one of the most common non-communicable diseases, is still considered a stigma due to a lack of awareness. Studies suggest 2% of the adults and 9%-15% of children are asthmatics in India. There is a high prevalence of asthma among teenagers a greater risk of asthma attacks, hospitalization, and death in younger children. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. R. K. Jenaw, Senior Professor & Head of Department , Pulmonary Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Disease , S.M.S. Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, to know about the myths and facts about inhalers.

Most asthma patients do not use inhalers due to social stigma, which doctors prescribe as an effective treatment. The doctors suggest that the chance of asthma attacks gets reduced when a patient uses their preventer inhalers 80% of the time recommended by their health expert, but the users only lie between 20-25%. It is concerning that the social stigma of asthma and inhalers continues to be underestimated. These can foster a feeling of difference and be stigmatized, negatively impacting the quality of life and adherence. 

Myths and facts about inhalers

Below are some stigmas associated with inhalers that constrict asthma patients to take treatments for self-management and to maintain disease control in social environments:

1. MYTH: Inhalers are not socially acceptable

FACT: Parents often request oral medications in place of inhalers for their children, especially their daughters of marriageable age. Such stigma is due to the lack of awareness about the condition. People with asthma in the rural section of the society try to conceal their condition, which later turns into worsened symptoms of uncontrolled asthma and, in more adverse cases, death.

Also read: Inhalers Are Best For Asthma Management, Know Why Doctors Vouch For Them

2. MYTH: Long term use of Inhalers can be addictive

FACT: This is often believed that inhalers are habit-forming. The 'lungs' inflammation takes some patients to go, which may reappear. Asthma is a chronic condition that requires medications for a longer period, it, either way, couldn't be cured, but preventive measures such as inhalers can keep the deadly symptoms at bay. Hence, early withdrawal of medications can make it reappear. Therefore, it is crucial to use inhalers for a prescribed duration and stop when only your doctor advises.

3. MYTH: Inhalers should only be used in case of emergency

FACT: To avoid uncontrolled asthma and keep asthma attacks at bay, doctors recommend patients use their inhalers as prescribed. Most often, people stop using inhalers once they feel better. Unfortunately, only 30-40% of asthma patients adhere to their medication regimens. But they need to understand that the pollutants and allergens could be present anywhere, bringing their asthma symptoms back. Therefore, it is always advisable for asthma patients to keep their medications and inhalers ready. 

4. MYTH: Oral Medication is far more effective than Inhalers

FACT: The medicine either you take orally or through an inhaler is the same. Moreover, it is advised that people with moderate to severe asthma should take their medication through inhalers. The inhalers help deliver the medicine directly through the airways to the lungs, which opens the constricted passage and allows the patient to breathe properly. In addition, it provides instant relief compared to oral medication, which takes 2 hours to react after the digestive system absorbs it. 

5. MYTH: Inhalers lead to side effects

FACT: The medicine used in inhalers is retained in the airways. This way, the medicine doesn't reach your other parts of the body or get absorbed in the body, which may cause side effects. Only a limited amount of it reaches the lungs. 

Also read: World Asthma Day 2019: Types of Asthma Inhalers

6. MYTH: Inhalers are strong and used only as last resort therapy

FACT: Many people link steroids in the inhalers as strong medicine, which could affect growth and should only be taken as a last resort. Inhalers have steroids called corticosteroids, which are like hormones produced in the body, and they play an integral part in subsiding asthmatic symptoms, which can worsen when not treated.

The social stigma associated with asthma or requiring medication is far more disturbing than the illness itself. It has a real and lasting impact on a person's social development and psychological well-being. Therefore, it is very important to identify the barriers to inhaler usage and self-management in the social environment. Overcoming these barriers should be prioritized, which may help control the drastic consequences at an early age.

All image credits: Freepik