Salbutamol inhaler - used in the treatment of an asthma attack
Asthma is commonly a long-term condition that can cause cough, wheezing and breathlessness. The
severity of the symptoms varies from person to person. Asthma can be well-controlled in most
people most of the time. A severe onset of the above mentioned symptoms is known as an asthma
attack or an 'acute asthmatic exacerbation'. Asthma attacks may require hospital treatment and can
sometimes be life-threatening, although this is rare.
A salbutamol inhaler is a reliever medicine taken to relieve asthma symptoms quickly. It works by
relaxing the muscles surrounding the narrowed airways. This allows the airways to open wider,
making it easier to breathe again. Salbutamol is generally a safe medicine with few side effects,
unless it is over used. In Ireland it is estimated that 470,000 people have asthma, affecting both men
and women. Central Statistics Office figures for the years 2007 to 2013 show that a total of 359
people have died in Ireland during this period after suffering an acute asthma attack. (Data from the
CSO for 2013 is provisional. Data for 2014 is not yet available from the CSO).
Current arrangements:
Persons diagnosed with asthma and at risk of suffering an asthma attack may be prescribed a
salbutamol inhaler. They are advised to carry their salbutamol inhaler at all times and to ensure they
know how to use it in the event of suffering an attack. In the case of a young person their
parents/guardians are advised to carry the asthma inhaler for them.
Risks associated with misdiagnosis of an asthma attack and inappropriate administration of
salbutamol:
Diagnosis of an asthma attack is best made by an appropriately trained person. Careful attention
should be paid to the assessment of symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, as they
may be of either respiratory (lung) or cardiac (heart) origin.
Read more about the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, living with asthma and complications of asthma here
http://www.hse.ie/eng/health/az/A/Asthma/
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QUESTIONS
Q1.
Please indicate in what capacity you are responding to this questionnaire
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Q2.
(i)
(ii)
registered health professional
carer
patient organisation
family
patient
teacher
member of general public
other (please specify)
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Have you or a member of your family or a person under your care ever needed to use this
medicine in an emergency?
Yes
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No
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If so, did you experience any difficulty in obtaining it?
Yes
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No
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If you answered yes please provide details of the difficulties you experienced:
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Q3.
(i)
Do you think the current arrangements for supply and administration of salbutamol inhalers
are adequate?
Yes
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No
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(ii)
If No, in what way are they inadequate?
Q4.
Do you think non-healthcare professionals, for example carers and teachers who have
undertaken appropriate training and whose organisation have been appropriately certified,
should be permitted to supply and administer salbutamol inhalers?
Yes
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No
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Q5.
Please tick the option you agree/disagree with from the following statements
(i)
Salbutamol inhalers should be made more widely available to non-medical persons for use in
emergency situations
(ii)
Agree
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Disagree
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Salbutamol inhalers should be available in the following settings
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Schools and colleges
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Crèches and playschools
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Sports Centres
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Other, please specify
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Q6.
What do you think would be the main benefits to having wider access to salbutamol inhalers
for administration in emergency situations by appropriately trained non-medical persons
who have been authorised by an approved body / organisation?
Q7.
What do you think are the main disadvantages and / or safety concerns to widening the
availability of salbutamol inhalers for administration by appropriately trained non-medical
persons in emergency situations?
Q8.
Do you think medical identification bracelets / cards would benefit persons at risk of asthma
attack?
Q9.
Q10.
Yes
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No
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In your opinion is there sufficient information available for patients about this potentially life
threatening medical condition?
Yes
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No
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In your opinion is there sufficient information available for the general public about this
potentially life threatening medical condition?
Yes
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No
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Please save your answers and send to the following email address:
Medicines_Consultation@health.gov.ie
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