3.1. Airways disease, obstructive

For Kent and Medway Guidelines for Primary Care Management of COPD  
COPD Rescue pack information
COPD Self-Management of Flare-ups Guide

Click here (Guidance page)

For Kent and Medway Guidelines for Asthma 
Asthma inhaler guidelines (age 12-adult)
Asthma inhaler guidelines (Paediatric <12 years)

Click here (Guidance page)

The NHS aims to be the worlds’ first net carbon zero health service and metered dose inhalers are a major contributing factor to the carbon footprint of the NHS. Where clinically appropriate consider a dry powder inhaler for newly diagnosed patients. Following a thorough annual review of existing patients, consider switching from an MDI to a DPI with appropriate inhaler techniques counselling and inspiratory flow assessment. The majority of Salbutamol inhalers are prescribed as MDI’s, and a switch from Ventolin, to Salamol or Airomir, would lower the carbon footprint. This can also be achieved by reducing the number of salbutamol inhalers prescribed, following thorough review. See Prescqipp for further information regarding the carbon footprint of inhalers 

Generic prescribing of inhalers should be avoided as this might lead to patients being given an unfamiliar inhaler device which they are not able to use properly. Different products and doses are licensed for different age groups and some may be applicable only to older children or adults (aged 18 years and over). Prior to prescribing, the relevant Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) should be checked.

Some inhalers contain extra-fine particles (Qvar), making them more potent than others (Clenil). Take care to prescribe by brand