Preventing aspiration incidents: redesigning inhalers for enhanced safety: A case study of coin aspiration

The conventional metered dose inhaler (MDI) has long served as a cornerstone in the management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting millions annually. Despite its advantages, a persistent challenge is seen in the form of patient education and the unchanged design of these inhalers since their inception in 1956. This lack of progress in MDI design has inadvertently contributed to incidences of foreign body inhalation. In this case presentation we report a 50-year-old male with a past medical history of asthma, who faced an incident of foreign body inhalation with use of his inhaler. The patient aspirated a dime when he administered his inhaler, as it had become lodged in the device's mouthpiece, which was uncapped. This case, like many others, demonstrates the need for innovative changes in MDI inhaler design. While numerous articles or cases concentrate on foreign body removal, the primary objective of this case report is to investigate preventative measures and solutions aimed at averting incidents of inhalation.