BACKGROUND An appropriate inhalation technique and adherence to treatment are both critical determinants of the success of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) management. We have observed that up to 75% of patients do not use a successful inhalation technique. Knowledge evaluation and frequent reassessment of inhaler use, together with education of patients and healthcare professionals...

BACKGROUND Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common chronic inflammatory respiratory diseases, which impose a substantial burden on healthcare systems and society. Fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) and long-acting β2 agonists (LABA), often administered using dry powder inhalers (DPIs), are frequently prescribed to control persistent asthma...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the use of inhaler devices by patients with severe asthma treated via the Programa para o Controle da Asma e Rinite Alérgica na Bahia(ProAR, Bahia State Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis Control Program), recording the frequency of their errors in performing key steps and the relationship between such errors and the lack of asthma control. METHODS A cross-sectional study invo...

• Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common respiratory conditions that represent a considerable cost burden to the Spanish healthcare system1. • Symbicort® Turbuhaler® (budesonide + formoterol fumarate dihydrate) and Seretide® Accuhaler® (fluticasone propionate + salmeterol) are commonly used dry powder inhalers (DPIs) in Spain, and can be difficult for patients to tra...

BACKGROUND A simple non-invasive method, in which a urine sample is taken 30 minutes after drug administration, has previously been shown to be a measure of the relative bioavailability of salbutamol to the lungs. This technique has been used to determine an optimal inhaler technique with commercially available metered dose inhalers (MDI). METHODS Ten healthy subjects were trained in the use ...

BACKGROUND An optimal inhalation flow pattern is essential for effective use of a dry powder inhaler (DPI). We wondered whether DPI instructors inhale from a DPI with an appropriate pattern, and if not, whether self-training with visual feedback is effective. METHODS Subjects were 14 pharmacists regularly engaged in instruction in DPI use. A newly designed handy inhalation flow visualizer (Vi...

The aim of the present study was to measure airway, oropharyngeal and gastrointestinal deposition of (99m)Tc-labelled hydrofluoroalkane-beclomethasone dipropionate after inhalation via a pressurised metered-dose inhaler and spacer (Aerochamber Plus) in asthmatic children. A group of 24 children (aged 5-17 yrs) with mild asthma inhaled the labelled drug. A total of 12 children took five tidal br...

BACKGROUND The characteristics of each inhalation maneuver when patients use dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are important, because they control the quality of the emitted dose. METHODS We have measured the inhalation profiles of asthmatic children [CHILD; n=16, mean forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1) 79% predicted], asthmatic adults (ADULT; n=53, mean predicted FEV1 72%), and chronic obstru...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate knowledge of and techniques for using prescribed inhalation devices among patients with asthma or COPD treated at a tertiary teaching hospital. METHODS Patients were assessed after medical visits, and their physicians were blinded to this fact. Patients were asked to demonstrate their inhaler technique and were then interviewed regarding their knowledge of inhalation dev...