Suffering from difficult to control asthma? Are you taking your medication as prescribed?

This article from Yahoo News talks about a study done at Queen's University of Belfast, Northern Ireland that shows that some people with stubborn asthma aren't using their medication as prescribed by their doctors. I don't think this study is earth shattering, but I think that it sheds a light on an important issue. Your doctor prescribes your medication for a reason and it can't help you if you don't take it. I also wonder if part of this problem is because people aren't using their medication properly. A few weeks ago I did a blog post about needing a refresher on using the aerochamber and I wonder how many people need a refresher on how to take their medication properly. The most shocking part of this study for me was that women were the ones who reported that they most often didn't take their medication. I would have thought for sure that it would have been men (sorry guys).

Posts about patients not taking medication as prescribed:

Just a spoonful of sugar: How Healthy Gaming Can Support Drug Adher... from Disruptive Women in Health Care (TM): This post talks about the very topic of patients not taking their medication as prescribed. One solution that is being tested is a gaming system that helps the patient by "improving health literacy, physical fitness, cognitive fitness, condition management and motivating behavior change (like increasing the likelihood of drug adherence)". It works much the same way Wii Fit works for exercise. It's an interesting concept.

What is a Goofus Asthmatic?from Respiratory Therapy Cave - No one is perfect but you must never forget that you are an asthmatic. Do your best to take care of yourself and that means take your medication as prescribed.

What is the real issue here? from Just Another Blog by a Nurse - Could health care be part of the problem?

Ellen's posts about tweeting medication reminders can be found here and here

And if you aren't sure you are using your medication properly or if you need a refresher, then see below:

From ICYOU Health:
How to use Pulmicort Flexhaler

How to use a metered dose inhaler

How to use a diskus for Asthma relief

How to use a nebulizer machine

Do you take your medication as prescribed? When you do, is your asthma more controlled? Have you heard of people in your community not taking medication because it is too costly or not covered by their health insurance? Do you have tips for remembering to take your medication that you can share? Please share your tips or take any of these links, tips or videos back to your community to continue the discussion.

Visit the Asthma and Allergy Group to continue this discussion or to start on of your own.