Acute bronchospasm from the patient's perspective: role of patient education

Patient education is a vital tool for managing patients with acute bronchospasm arising from both asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both are serious chronic diseases, and lack of patient education usually results in lack of patients' adherence to their therapies. Several surveys indicate that a tremendous disparity exists between physicians and patients with asthma in how they perceive control of the patient's lung disease. A high proportion of physicians report that they provide patient education, and a low proportion of patients claim to have received adequate education. Management plans for both asthma and COPD are outlined, including instructions for the use of peak-flow meters and profiles of inhalation devices. Although inhalation devices will continue to be the most common delivery systems for airway diseases that cause acute bronchospasm, their proper use can be both complex and diverse. Patient education, therefore, is essential for optimal benefit from therapy.