- In the context of World Asthma Day, specialists emphasize that most patients abandon treatment when they feel well, even though lung inflammation remains active.
- Doctors Dolores Corbacho (Ribera Povisa), Roberto Bernabeu (Ribera Cardiosalus) and Sergio Calvache (Ribera Imske and Ribera Pasarela) remind us that the inhalation technique and daily treatment are key to avoiding irreversible structural damage to the bronchi.
Pulmonologists from the healthcare group Ribera They warn that incorrect use of the inhaler or abandoning it when symptoms disappear is one of the main reasons for poor asthma control, a chronic respiratory disease that affects millions of people worldwide.
To mark World Asthma Day, pulmonologists are emphasizing the importance of combining appropriate treatment with proper inhaler technique and thorough patient education. “Patient education for asthma is a fundamental element of treatment, as it reduces the risk of attacks, improves quality of life, and lowers healthcare costs,” explains Dr. Dolores Corbacho, head of the Pulmonology Department at the hospital. Ribera Povisa (Vigo).
One of the most frequent mistakes is thinking that treatment is only necessary during crises. In this regard, the pulmonologist at Ribera Cardiosalus (Murcia), Roberto Bernabeu, warns that “many patients believe that they should only take medication when they have 'shortness of breath or wheezing', but asthma is a chronic inflammation that must be treated every day.”
Dr. Bernabeu uses the so-called "iceberg approach" to explain the disease: "The symptoms are only the visible part, but underneath there is persistent inflammation that, if left untreated, can cause irreversible structural damage to the bronchi." This damage includes bronchial remodeling, fibrosis, and fixed airflow obstruction, which can cause the lung to permanently lose functional capacity.
For this reason, specialists emphasize that frequent use of a rescue inhaler is a warning sign. “If a patient needs a bronchodilator more than twice a week, it means their asthma is not controlled and they should see a specialist,” says Dr. Bernabeu.
In this context, inhaled treatment remains the “gold standard”. As the pulmonologist from Imske Riverbank (Valencia) and River Footbridge (L'Eliana), Sergio Calvache, “the great advantage of the inhaler is that it allows a direct action on the bronchial mucosa, with greater effectiveness and fewer side effects than oral treatments.”
However, its effectiveness depends largely on the technique. “An excellent drug is useless if it doesn't reach its therapeutic target. The inhalation technique is one of the areas where the most mistakes are made,” warns Dr. Calvache.
The most common mistakes with the inhaler
Among the most common failures are a lack of coordination between inhalation and activation of the device, inadequate inspiration, or failure to maintain breathing after taking the medication.
Furthermore, not all inhalers work the same way. “We must differentiate between the medication and the device,” explains Dr. Bernabeu. “With pressurized metered-dose inhalers, the key is coordination, while with dry powder inhalers, it is the force of the inhalation that allows the medication to reach the lungs,” he adds.
Experts also emphasize the importance of maintaining preventative treatment even in the absence of symptoms. “The goal is to control the underlying inflammation, not just alleviate flare-ups,” Dr. Corbacho stresses.
In this regard, they debunk some common myths, such as the fear of inhaled corticosteroids. “The doses are minimal and safe, and their benefits far outweigh any risks,” explains Dr. Bernabeu.
In the context of World Asthma Day, the Ribera group emphasizes that asthma control requires regular medical follow-up, review of inhaler technique, and active patient involvement. “With appropriate treatment, good technique, and health education, most patients can lead completely normal lives,” the specialists conclude.
