NICE patient decision aid for asthma inhalers

This is an information tool to help people with asthma and their healthcare professionals discuss their options for inhaler devices.

The aid describes the different types of inhaler which may be used for asthma and how to use them effectively. Where several inhalers could be viable options, patients can opt for the more environmentally friendly option.

Some, called metered dose inhalers, contain propellants known as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful greenhouse gases. While HFCs help to propel the dose into the patient’s respiratory system, many people will be able to achieve the same benefit from dry powder inhalers (DPIs).

Metered dose inhalers have estimated carbon footprints of 500g CO2eq per dose, compared to 20g in DPIs.