Asthma and allergies are two issues that plague many Americans. Some are as seemingly harmless as seasonal dust allergies, while others can be life threatening – like severe asthma and many food allergies.
People whose allergies and asthma reside on the more severe side of the scale tend to need medical devices like inhalers, epinephrine autoinjectors (EpiPens) and other products and treatments. But a recent study from researchers at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston says that many of these same people are not properly using the devices that they are issued. This results in a less effective treatment of the ailments of these patients.
The data from the study, which was published online and is scheduled for publication in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology in January of 2015, states that 16 percent of patients use an EpiPen properly. In fact, more than half missed three or more steps in the injection process, according to the study.
Additionally, only 7 percent of inhaler users were able to appropriately use the device with a perfect technique. Over 63 percent of patients missed at least three steps in the process. The most common mistake, researchers found, was not exhaling as much as possible before using the inhaler.
"Improving how patients use these devices leads to better clinical outcomes," the lead author and assistant professor of internal medicine, allergy and immunology, Dr. Rana Bonds wrote in the report. "We conducted an investigation to identify factors associated with incorrect use of inhalers and epinephrine autoinjectors at UTMB so that health care providers are aware of the problem and can plan better ways to increase proper usage."
No matter what kind of device or treatment you have for your asthma or allergy control, be sure that you know how to use it most effectively. To learn more about how Allergy Be Gone can help, contact us today!
