Respiratory Care Week 2025

 

Simple can be harder -

 Simple can be harder than complex.
You have to work hard to get your thinking clean.

—Steve Jobs

Double ABC of Worsening COPD

 Accessory muscle use increased

 Alertness reduced

 Bronchospasm increased

 Bronchodilator use increased

 Central Cyanosis worsened

 Cough/secretion worsened

 Dyspnea increased

 Decreased SpO2

 Edema increased peripherally

 Everyday activities limited

 Frequency cough increased 

 FiO2 need increased

PATIENT’S GUIDE TO AEROSOL MED DELIVERY

 I have referred innumerable patients and caregivers to the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) excellent “A Patient’s Guide to Aerosol Medication Delivery.” Optimal Use of inhaled medication device(s) is central to optimizing therapeutic effects and minimizing side effects.

aarc.aerosol_patient_guide

This is the fourth Edition (with another on the way) developed by noted experts in aerosol medication delivery. Aerosol devices and inhaled medications are in a constant state of change, so always consult your provider. 

Teva Discontinuing Digihaler Line of Inhalers

Who #1: 

The Drug manufacturer Teva 

Who #2: 

Patients with asthma and their care providers who could benefit from integrated digital monitoring and feedback of their inhalers.  

What: 

Teva is discontinuing its Digihaler line of inhalers even though clinical trials showed improved asthma control with Digihalers dry powder inhalers (DPI) compared to other inhalers. Digihalers had built-in sensors that tracked medication use and inhaler technique. Data could be shared with healthcare providers to improve adherence and asthma control.

Why: 

Digihalers were more expensive and were not widely adopted and reimbursed by insurance companies.

When: 

Teva discontinued ProAir DPI Digihaler (albuterol sulfate), AirDuo Digihaler (fluticasone and salmeterol), and ArmonAir Digihaler (fluticasone) on June 1, 2024. Teva stated that its non-digital RespiClick DPI devices delivering ProAir and AirDuo will remain available.

The COPD 101 Library

 The COPD Foundation has expanded its excellent COPD 101 Library again. It is an excellent overview of key clinical concepts for COPD & Genetic COPD, including risk factors, epidemiology, screening and diagnostics, and treatment strategies. This presentation can be a starting point for anyone new to COPD or seeking to improve overall care. Patient education materials, created specifically to assist clear communication of disease management concepts, are also included to help optimize therapy plans.

COPD 101 is available on the site below and is in Basic PDF, Enhanced PDF (including speaker notes), and Full PowerPoint (presentation-ready) formats.  

https://www.copdfoundation.org/Learn-More/I-am-a-Healthcare-Provider/The-101-Library.aspx

Reducing Price of Inhaled Drugs

 Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca and Glaxo Smith Kline have  announced that they will begin limiting out-of-pocket costs for inhalers for eligible patients to $35/month. 

This program will start on June 1, 2024 at retail pharmacies. This price cap does not apply to government-sponsored health plans such as Medicare, Medicaid, or VA benefits.