Pharmacists Important Asthma Counselors

Pharmacists are in a pivotal position to contribute to the overall management of asthma, according to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Every year, pharmacists fill millions of prescriptions for asthma medications, which remain the principal treatment for the disease. Pharmacists can assist in the management of asthma by:

? Educating patients about asthma medications;

? Instructing patients about the proper techniques for inhaling medications;

? Monitoring medication use and refill intervals to help identify patients with poorly controlled asthma;

? Encouraging patients who are purchasing OTC asthma inhalers or tablets to seek medical care;

? Helping patients use peak flow meters appropriately; and

? Helping patients discharged from the hospital understand their asthma management plan.