We had a patient in the ER with SVT that was a bugger to slow down. Apparently he was having an asthma attack and went to use his inhaler. It was of course one of the new $60 inhalers that most of our patients can not afford. He used it but could not feel the spray so he used it about 20 times and managed to get himself a bit toxic. Our great leaders have determined that to save the ozone of the planet it is best to get rid of the CFCs that are used in asthma inhalers. This is all part of the Montreal Agreement and as a result CFC containing inhalers can not be sold as of April 1st. The new inhalers to comply with this are very expensive and as a result many patients can not afford then, nor are they covered by insurance. To add to it, the new inhalers use a propellant that can not be felt when they are used which is very disturbing to those about to suffocate. Somehow, I dont think asthmatics are responsible for ozone depletion.
1 comment:
I have a friend who is considered disabled because of asthma (lungs of a 117 yr old woman-although she works as much as she is able to in a doc's office,tries not to give in to it), who uses inhalers often.
After reading your post, I read some other articles.
I hope this doesn't compromise my friend's safety/health. She was brought into the ER one night because her nebulizer (sp?) hardly worked on her.
I know that even a mild asthma attack can change into a serious case quickly. I just hate that these patients might not get the relief they are used to.
And 60 dollars is a huge jump in cost.
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