What is new in asthma: new dry powder inhalers

Asthma affects an estimated 4.8 million children. The pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), despite problems associated with its use and concern that most of these inhalers contain ozone-damaging chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), is currently the device most frequently used to deliver inhaled medication. Concerns regarding pMDIs that contain CFCs have led to further development of alternative delivery devices, including CFC-free pMDIs, breath-actuated devices, and dry powder inhalers (DPIs). Advantages and disadvantages of these devices are discussed briefly, with emphasis on the new DPIs. A brief overview of their safety, efficacy, and acceptance by patients is presented. DPIs have the potential to become important devices for administration of inhaled medication in pediatric asthma management.