Over-the-Counter Bronchodilators Use Among Asthmatic Patients in Al-Medina Al-Monawwara

TL;DR

This study examines the use of over-the-counter bronchodilators among asthmatic patients in Al-Medina Al-Monawwara and highlights the risks of self-medication.

Contribution

The study provides new insights into OTC bronchodilator use patterns and their potential health risks in a specific Saudi region.

Findings

13.6% of participants always used asthma inhalers without a prescription.

46.3% of participants obtained short-acting bronchodilators with a prescription.

OTC bronchodilator use is linked to increased ER visits and SABA overuse.

Abstract

Asthma is a prevalent chronic disease that affects a significant number of individuals worldwide. Proper diagnosis and assessment of asthma patients are crucial before determining the appropriate inhaler for them. Many asthmatic patients self-medicate with over-the-counter (OTC) inhaled and orally taken bronchodilators, leading to overuse and serious adverse effects. This study aims to identify the extent of OTC bronchodilator usage in the Al-Medina Al-Monawwara region. and urge health authorities to address the issue and prevent potential side effects arising from the overuse of bronchodilators. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted among individuals with asthma residing in the Al-Medina Al-Monawwara region of Saudi Arabia. The study encompassed multiple hospitals. It was carried out between September 2021 and February 2023, utilizing a convenience sampling method. A total of 419 participants were included in the study; the majority of them, 362 (86.4%), reported being prescribed asthma inhalers at least once in their lives, while 57 (13.6%) always used asthma inhalers without a prescription. However, most of our participants reported having a prescription for their short-acting bronchodilators, with 46.3% always obtaining them with a prescription and the remaining obtaining them over the counter. The current study indicates that the use of OTC Bronchodilators increases the risk of significant ER visits; this observation is quite concerning as the increasing use of short-acting beta-agonists (SABA) might indicate less asthma control and more SABA overuse; further research is needed to address the issue of short-acting bronchodilators overuse.

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