Patient errors and preference with regard to the use of a bronchodilating spray and fenoterol (Berotec) powder

The investigation compares the errors in using a bronchodilating spray and fenoterol powder for inhalation, it also determines the patient preference with regard to the preparation. Of 76 patients with obstructive lung disease, 15 (19, 7%) used the spray incorrectly, relatively many of them were elderly women. The most important cause was coordination problems. Only four had difficulty with the powder preparation. Forty-two patients preferred the spray providing the effects of both agents were equally good. Twenty-six preferred the powder and eight had no preference. The preference for powder was relatively greater among elderly women and among these patients who had not previously used a spray. It is concluded that the majority of earlier users of spray prefer this form of treatment and that instruction in the correct use of a spray is essential. The powder preparation is particularly advantageous for patients with coordination problems of various types.