Abstract

BRAGANCA*, Mariana et al. The environmental impact of inhaled therapy in asthma treatment. Rev Port Imunoalergologia [online]. 2025, vol.33, n.4, pp.219-232.  Epub Dec 30, 2025. ISSN 0871-9721.  https://doi.org/10.32932/rpia.2025.06.167.

The healthcare sector is responsible for about 4.4% of global greenhouse gas emissions. The healthcare supply chain is the main source of emissions. Due to propellant gases, asthma inhalers, particularly pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDI), have a significant environmental impact. Dry powder inhalers (DPIs) or soft mist devices have a substantially lower global warming potential compared to pMDI, but the selection of a device should first be driven by clinical appropriateness. Improving the accuracy of asthma diagnosis and management are key factors to reduce the environmental impact

of asthma treatment. This article reviews the scientific evidence on the environmental impact of inhalers in asthma treatment and identifies a set of practical strategies that can be implemented in daily practice to reduce the carbon footprint of inhaler therapy.

Keywords : Asthma; carbon footprint; climate change; environment; greenhouse gases; therapeutics.

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