[Correct inhalation technique--an integral part of rational treatment of bronchial asthma]

In the rational treatment of asthma bronchiale in recent years a marked increase can be observed as regards prescription of beta-2-agonists and glucocorticoids. They are administered almost exclusively from metered dose inhalers (MDI) with an adjustable valve. Almost half the users do not know the correct inhalation technique. Unless that is used, the effect of drugs is markedly reduced. The author deals therefore in his review in detail with all aspects of a correct inhalation technique; above all he emphasizes slow inhalation with subsequent breath retention which is the only way how to achieve maximum penetration of particles to the final branches of the bronchial tree. The author mentions also spacers which improve in some patients the effectiveness of aerosol treatment.