Only one-fifth of those who use an inhaler to treat their respiratory disease use the device properly, a new study shows.

It also found that men had a fourfold chance of using the device better than women.

If patients do not use the inhaler properly, they are likely to remain symptomatic and could end up hospitalised, consultant respiratory physician Martin Balzan told this newspaper.

Dr Balzan was part of a team from the Department of Respiratory Medicine at Mater Dei Hospital that carried out the study among patients to find out the causes of improper use of inhalers.

About 15 per cent of the population suffers from asthma, which is treated mainly through inhaling medicine, by cutting down on smoking and avoiding allergens. Inhalers are also used by those suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.

Carried out this year and led by Kyra Camilleri, the study found that while one-fifth perform the 12-step procedure without any errors, one-third commit more than three.

Following a 40-question survey, the patients performed the procedure in the presence of two independent doctors. It transpired that men were four times more likely to use the inhaler properly, probably because they have better hand-to-eye coordination than women, Dr Balzan said.

Having a nurse explain the procedure, apart from one’s doctor, increases one’s chances of grasping the method, as does having a higher level of education.

However, although nearly 90 per cent were followed up by the physician or their GP, only 28 per cent were given information by other professionals such as nurses.

It was also concluded that those who take the influenza jab are better inhaler users because getting vaccinated reflects an attitude of higher interest in one’s health.

Unfortunately, the most common mistakes committed are the critical ones, such as not shaking the inhaler properly before use in order to have a good mix of aerosol or medicine.

Another common error by the patients was not holding their breath for 10 seconds after inhaling the medicine, with the result that most of the medicine was exhaled before it was deposited in the lungs.

Steps for good inhaler use

• Remove cap
• Shake inhaler well for five seconds
• Hold inhaler firmly
• Sit up straight or stand up
• Tilt head back slightly
• Exhale completely away from inhaler
• Place inhaler in mouth and seal lips around it
• Press inhaler and breathe in steadily and deeply
• Remove inhaler from mouth
• Hold breath for 10 seconds or as long as comfortable
• Exhale slowly
• Replace cap

sarah.carabott@timesofmalta.com