The Consumption of Oral Inhalers for Asthma in Iran, During 2010-2012

Asthma is the most pediatric chronic disease while involving millions of adults globally too. Iran with a prevalence of asthma symptoms and signs around 5-10% in 13-14 years old children, had reported asthma ranged between 30-50%, particularly in the Eastern areas. This is not far from the global estimation of the disease regarding WHO reports. The most prominent affaire of such chronic respiratory disease would be the burden, especially direct one, which refers to the costs the illness direct to patients and their families. In average, each patient spends 3-4 thousand American dollars in a year to control his/her asthma. Asthma is also the main cause of hospitalization in children worldwide.
Referring to the country record of sold oral inhalers in respiratory field, provided by the department of Food and Drug, the Ministry of Health of Iran, the investigators tried to compute direct burden in this regard, focusing on the total payment for inhalers from 2010 through 2012. The commonly used inhalers were divided into two groups of standard and sub special drugs to prescribe.
Respectively, 39%, 56%, and 29% of total bought inhalers between 2010 and 2012 were of the sub special expensive ones.
Nowadays, more than 35% of prescribed and bought inhalers are of more expensive sub special group in Iran which is not justified actually. Making the prescription more rational in this regard even in 10% could provide great money saving by the patients, consequently the health providers in our country.