Health Promotion Services in cooperation with the Division of Pulmonology is holding an "Asthma Awareness Campaign" for a month from mid May through mid June, 2009.  The campaign is being held at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Primary Healthcare Centers and National Guard Schools.  The HPS prepared many educational pamphlets on asthma in an effort to decrease the negative effects of this disease on those who are affected by it. 

Bronchial asthma is one of the most common health issues affecting children, with sometimes life threatening consequences.  It is caused by inflammation of the bronchial tubes in which the bronchial lining tries to protect the body from allergens by increasing mucous, swelling of the mucosal tissues and contraction of the muscles.  According to the American Lung Association, this inflammation is produced by allergies, viral respiratory infections, and airborne irritants among other causes. This airway inflammation can cause scarring if it goes on for a long period of time.

Dusty conditions in Saudi Arabia, especially in the interior regions, can trigger asthmatic attacks.  Conversely, mold spores which grow in hot humid conditions such as those found in coastal regions like Jeddah or Al Khobar can also cause allergic reactions which cause bronchial asthma. Several of the HPS brochures educate patients on risk factors for triggering asthma attacks such as being around animals, plants which have pollen, dust mites, cigarette smoke, and household dust.

Proper use of medications and inhalers is stressed with many diagrams and instructions as some patients do not make the best use of inhalers that are vital for relief during an asthmatic attack.  Fully loading the inhalers and breathing in deeply will insure that the contents are properly utilized by the body.  Additionally, it is strongly recommended to gargle after inhaling those medications which contain cortisone in order to protect the throat and mouth from possible irritation.  Whether the doctor prescribes the regular inhaler, the turbuhaler or the diskus, it is important that the patient follow the instructions exactly to achieve maximum effect and benefit from the medications.  During an attack, proper use of inhalers can make all the difference to quick recovery.  Many doctors recommend the use of a spacer to improve delivery of the medication especially if it contains cortisone.   Below are pointers in utilizing a spacer.

How to Use a Spacer:

• Shake the inhaler well before use (3-4 shakes).
• Remove the cap from your inhaler, and from your spacer, if it has one.
• Put the inhaler into the spacer on the appropriate end.
• Breathe out, away from the spacer.
• Quickly bring the spacer to your mouth, placing the mouthpiece firmly between your teeth and close your lips around it.
• Press the top of your inhaler once releasing the medication into the spacer.
• Breathe in very slowly until you have taken a full breath. If you hear a whistle sound, you are breathing in too quickly. It is important to breathe in slowly.
• Hold your breath for about ten seconds, and then breathe out. 
   
  

Cleaning Your Spacer:

To clean your spacer, follow the instructions that come with it. In most cases, they will advise you to:

1. Take the spacer apart.
2. Gently move the parts back and forth in warm water using a mild soap. Never use high-pressure, boiling hot water, rubbing alcohol or disinfectant.
3. Rinse the parts well in clean water.
4. Do not dry inside of the spacer with a towel as it will cause static. Instead, let the parts air-dry (for example, leave them out overnight).
5. Put the spacer back together.

Important Reminders about Spacers

Always follow the instructions that come with your spacer.

Additionally:

• Only use your spacer with a pressurized inhaler, not with a dry-powder inhaler.
• Spray only one puff into a spacer at a time.
• Use your spacer as soon as you've sprayed a puff into it.
• Never let anyone else use your spacer.
• Keep your spacer away from heat sources.
• If your spacer has a valve that is damaged, or if any other part of the spacer is damaged, do not use it. The spacer will have to be replaced.
• Some spacers have a whistle. Your technique is fine if you do not hear the whistle. However, if you hear the whistle, this means you should slow down your breath.
• It is very important that you consult your doctor, asthma educator or other healthcare professionals to review proper inhaler technique.