Kinky K-Haler seduces asthma world
05 November 2003

A new, low-cost inhaler design has won an award for innovation and could help some people with asthma to take their medication more easily.

The K-Haler won 'Best Innovation to Improve Patient Care' in the Medical Futures Innovation Awards. Designed by John Bell and Dr Ray Bacon, a pharmacist and engineer respectively, the device is breath-activated, which means medication is delivered when the patient breathes in, and is kinked like a garden hose to control the flow of medicine.

This could be good news for people with asthma who have difficulty operating pressurised inhalers that must be activated by hand, including young children who are not yet co-ordinated enough to use them, and those who have arthritis.

Because the user controls the flow of medication, more of it reaches the lungs, making it more effective, and less of the drug is wasted, which should cut prescription costs for patients.

National Asthma Campaign experts have welcomed the new device:
'The K-Haler represents another alternative for people with asthma,' said Anne Pearson, specialist nurse on the Asthma UK Adviceline. 'We know that some inhaler devices are difficult to use, for example, because of the coordination required between releasing the medication and breathing in. Advances that help people with asthma to get the most from their medication are welcome.

'Whatever device is prescribed, it is important that people with asthma are happy with their chosen device and are shown how to use it properly by their GP or nurse.'

The K-Haler is not yet on the market but when it is, its low cost means it is likely to be snapped up.