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Multiple inhalers confuse asthma patients
J van der Palen1, J J Klein, C L van Herwaarden
1Dept of Pulmonary Medicine, Medisch Spectrum twente, Enschede, the Netherlands.
The European Respiratory Journal
|December 22, 1999
Summary
Using one inhaler type improves asthma inhalation technique. Combinations of dry powder inhalers (DPIs) are better than metered dose inhaler (MDI) and DPI combinations, with Diskhaler being the most effective device.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Patient Adherence
Background:
- Inhalation technique is crucial for effective asthma management.
- The type and number of inhalers used can impact patient technique.
- Understanding these influences is key to optimizing therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess how different inhaler types affect inhalation technique adequacy in adult asthmatics.
- To compare technique success rates between single and multiple inhaler users.
- To evaluate technique success rates for different inhaler combination types.
Main Methods:
- Study included 321 adult outpatients with asthma using inhaled steroids.
- Inhalers assessed included metered dose inhalers (MDIs) and various dry powder inhalers (DPIs).
- Inhalation technique was evaluated based on essential checklist items.
Main Results:
- 71% of single inhaler users had adequate technique vs. 61% of multiple inhaler users.
- 68% of DPI-only users had adequate technique vs. 54% of MDI and DPI users.
- Patients using only the Diskhaler demonstrated the fewest errors.
Conclusions:
- Prescribing a single inhaler type is recommended when feasible.
- If combinations are necessary, using multiple DPIs is preferable to MDI and DPI combinations.
- The Diskhaler appears to be the most user-friendly device, minimizing errors.