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Series that demystifies health issues, bringing clarity to conflicting advice.

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Inside Health: Asthma inhalers and Covid antivirals

18/01/2022

Asthma inhalers and Covid antivirals

BBC Radio 4 - Inside Health, Asthma inhalers and Covid antivirals

Could switching your asthma inhaler be kinder to the planet and better for your health?

James Gallagher explores the carbon footprint of the UK’s most commonly used asthma inhaler. Could a greener alternative be kinder to the planet and better for your health?

Are you one of the five million people with asthma in the UK? If so, could you be on a different inhaler - one that could control your asthma better while also being kinder to the planet?  “Puffers” - or aerosol spray inhalers - contain potent greenhouse gases and can be tricky to use correctly, so not everyone can control their asthma. We speak to Caroline from Cornwall, who has switched inhalers and it’s transformed her life.   James talks to the doctors who think far more people could benefit from making the change.  

We also speak to Nerys from North Wales who has started antiviral treatment for her Covid infection.  We explore the new drugs with virologist Dr Elisabetta Groppelli and Prof Chris Butler who is running the clinical trial designed to pinpoint who is likely to benefit from antivirals the most. 

PRESENTER: James Gallagher
PRODUCER: Beth Eastwood

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