[Factors affecting correct use of metered dose aerosols]

Pressurized bronchodilators (PB) play an important role in the treatment of obstructive lung diseases. Therefore, the correct use of PB is a decisive factor for a successful therapy. In our study 207 patients were tested concerning their ability to use PB correctly. Nearly half of the patients (47%) used their PB inadequately, women more frequently then men. Most frequent errors had been an insufficient expiration before the use of PB (33%) and a lack of synchronization between inspiration and the ventilation of the drug. The value of demonstration and role of a medical employee in teaching the correct use of PB is underlined because of the frequency of errors using PB in untaught patients.