A study to assess inhaler technique and its potential impact on asthma control in patients attending an asthma clinic

Abstract

This study demonstrates the importance of educating and formally assessing inhaler technique in patients with asthma as a part of their ongoing clinical review.

Evaluation of inhaler technique, adherence to therapy and their effect on disease control among children with asthma using metered dose or dry powder inhalers

“…In previous studies, it has been shown that patients make significant errors when using inhaler devices [6,8,9]. Between 12% and 83.7% of patients are reported to use their inhaler devices with poor inhaler technique [1,5,9,10] and reported adherence rates for inhaler use are between 17.4% and 87.2% [11][12][13]. Inappropriate inhaler technique causes inability to control asthma symptoms, increases in morbidity and mortality, repeated references to hospital, increased cost of treatment and decrease in quality of life [2][3][4][5].…”

“…Inhaled drugs play an important role in the treatment of asthma. These drugs are usually in the forms of metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and dry powder inhalers (DPIs) [1]. Despite effective medications and evidence-based guidelines for treatment, many patients with asthma often suffer from exacerbations and persistent symptoms.…”

“…Correct use of inhaler medications helps to reach desired drug levels in lung, decreases disease symptoms, prevents exacerbations, and improves respiratory function and quality of life [2][3][4]. Correct use and good adherence to inhaler corticosteroid therapy is important for achieving asthma control [1,[5][6][7].…”

Inhaler device handling: have we really started to address the problem?

“…In fact, the relationship between inhaler technique and disease outcomes is further supported by complementary evidence, which shows that by improving inhaler technique improvements in disease outcome can be achieved [8][9][10][11]. For me, the current research of MOLIMARD et al [1] is a disappointing reminder that inhaler technique remains a big problem and a reaffirmation that it really does matter.…”

Living with asthma and chronic obstructive airways disease: Using technology to support self-management – An overview

“…41 Electronic reminder systems show promise in the case of unintentional non-adherence due to forgetfulness, but seem unlikely to be effective in those intentionally non-adherent and as yet there is no robust evidence relating to their benefits, in terms of long-term adherence or improvements in clinical outcomes. [46][47][48] Inhaler technique problems are compounded by an everincreasing array of inhalers, 49,50 with evidence that health professionals can be as confused as patients. 50 Checking inhaler technique is an essential part of any review.…”