Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Inhaler Technique in Children With Asthma: A Systematic Review
Chris Gillette1, Nicole Rockich-Winston2, JoBeth A Kuhn2
1Marshall University School of Pharmacy, Huntington, WVa; Marshall University College of Health Professions, Huntington, WVa.
Background:
Pediatric asthma is an important public health problem worldwide. The primary methods of medication delivery are inhalation devices.
Objectives:
This systematic review examined: 1) what is the prevalence of correct inhaler technique among children with asthma, 2) are educational interventions associated with improved rates of correct inhalation technique, and 3) is improved inhaler technique associated with improved asthma outcomes?
Data Sources:
We included experimental and observational studies through searches of PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL Complete, and clinicaltrials.gov.
Study Eligibility Criteria, Participants, And Interventions:
Studies were eligible for this review if at least 1 outcome measure of the study included and reported results of child/adolescent inhaler technique.
Study Appraisal And Synthesis Methods:
The following information was extracted from each included study: study design (experimental vs observational), and outcomes data. The Downs and Black checklist was used to appraise study quality.
Results:
Twenty-eight studies were eligible for inclusion. We found that inhaler technique is generally very poor among children, but is better when children use their metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) with spacers. Technique in using turbuhalers and diskus inhalers is better than in MDI, but still poor. Counseling children on correct inhaler technique was associated with improved technique among children in multiple studies.
Limitations:
We examined articles published in English.
Conclusions And Implications Of Key Findings:
Inhaler technique in children is generally poor. Physicians and other members of the health care team should instruct children and their caregivers on the proper use of their inhalation devices at every opportunity and correct mistakes when made to ensure effective medication delivery.
Registry:
This systematic review was registered under the Centre for Reviews and Dissemination, PROSPERO CRD42015025070 (http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.asp?ID=CRD42015025070).
Related Concept Videos
01:23Inhaled Medications
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:17Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...