Tag: behaviour

Inhaler Myths vs Techniques

One thing I’ve found is that there are a lot of ideas floating around about how to use inhalers but they are not necessarily the right ideas. Things get foggy as time passes since you’ve been shown how to use your inhaler or it may be that you were shown a technique years ago that has since been updated and changed after more recent research findings. When techniques are used effectively more medication reaches your lungs.

The other reason for incorrect technique is simply that your illness has outgrown your methods. The constant tightness or inflexibility of your lungs means you can’t take a deep breath anymore and gentle tidal breathing with a spacer or nebuliser may be the way to go from now on.

There are lots of devices and medications out there so it’s important to check annually, when you do a GP review of your COPD plan, that the way you are using your inhaler is the most effective way for you to get the medication into your lungs, after all that’s the main point isn’t it?

If you’re not sure, get in touch with your Doctor, Community Nurse, or Pulmonary Allied Health professional and ask them for a demonstration. The Lung Foundation has a patient resource page with videos and fact sheets on techniques specific to your device at: https://lungfoundation.com.au/resources/?search=inhaler%20device

Don’t leave it to work itself out but be pro active and self manage your way to effective use of your medications with good inhaler technique.

Hill over Everest

Everyone has new year resolutions, whether it be in the realms of fitness, budgets,or new behaviours. People I work with all tend to have one constant aim and that is to not lose what they have.

This could be activities, independence, to breath freely after exerting themselves, or to get back to work. In order to keep this they need to devote themselves to something  that needs repeating , may not be enjoyable and may have some level of difficulty. I think we can all relate to this.

The way to navigate towards what we want is to set a goal.

How to set a goal?

  • It must be personal and meaningful – own it  – My goal is…
  • It must be specific – detail – walk 30 min in the shopping centre, 3x per week
  • It must be measurable so you know when you’ve achieved it
  • It must be achievable – no point setting an Everest, choose a hill you can climb
  • It must be realistic – don’t look at Ferrari when Holden is a better fit for you
  • It must be timely –  don’t overload yourself

Start with one goal and go from there.

Don’t forget when you reach that goal to reward yourself for a job well done!