Combination Inhaler Halves Attacks; Inhalers Emit High CO2

A JAMA analysis by UCLA and Harvard researchers found inhalers used by U.S. patients generated about 24.9 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent from 2014–2024, with metered‑dose inhalers (HFA propellants) responsible for roughly 98% of those emissions; dry‑powder and soft‑mist inhalers do not use propellants and most patients could switch though very young children (who need spacers) and some frail older adults may still require metered‑dose devices, and investigators point to insurance and prescribing practices as barriers. Separately, the Lancet CARE trial led by New Zealand researchers showed budesonide–formoterol combination reliever therapy halved asthma attack rates in children aged 5–15 compared with salbutamol (SABA) reliever monotherapy, with similar adverse‑event profiles and no significant differences in growth or lung function. Experts estimate this translates to about 18 fewer attacks per 100 children switched per year. Together the findings highlight an opportunity to align prescribing toward treatments that both improve pediatric asthma outcomes and reduce the carbon footprint where clinically appropriate.