Greener inhalers introduced by NHS Scotland

It is said that improvements in how chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma are managed could help decrease metered dose inhaler use in a strategy document published by NHS Scotland.
NHS Scotland has declared plans to decrease emissions from medical inhaler propellants by seventy per cent in the next 6 years, as a result of their environmental impact. As a part of their Climate Emergency and Sustainability Strategy published recently, NHS Scotland said it would produce regular reviews of patients with asthma and COPD who use metered dose inhalers (MDIs).
Around four and a half million MDIs – containing a propellant gas that may contribute to climate change – were distributed in Scotland in 2020/21. The strategy states that improving how asthma and COPD are managed and using dry powder inhalers (DPIs) where appropriate could decrease MDI use.
“Implementing regular reviews of patients on MDIs and considering the switch to DPI as part of the review and supporting patients to switch to DPIs where those are suitable for them,” the document has suggested.
NHS Scotland will review progress in 2028 and is probable to set a new target “on the path to net zero”.
Respiratory experts raised concerns in February 2022 about a similar inhaler device switching programme in England, warning that patients could suffer worse asthma as a result and weren’t being appropriately consulted about the change.
The document has said that the ‘Scottish Quality Respiratory Prescribing Guide‘ will be improved to “focus on improving patient outcomes, minimising patient overuse of inhalers and supporting patients to use propellant-free options where clinically appropriate”.