[Functional contribution of inhalation spacers in the treatment of asthma]

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ventilatory gain obtained by using metered dose inhaler (MDI) plus spacer versus MDI alone in 30 asthmatic patients (19 men and 11 women); aged 30 to 70 years old. Initial spirometry showed air flow obstruction. A reversibility test was performed with beta 2 agonists: first with MDI and then, later, with MDI plus spacer. In 27 cases (90%) the improvement of FEVI, referring to its initial value, was significantly better with spacer. This improvement was equal or superior to 20% in 19 patients with spacer versus only 9 patients with MDI. The improvement of FEVI was always better with spacer which ever the ways of expressing the bronchodilating response (referring to initial, predicted or absolute value). in conclusion, since the treatment of asthma is now based on local administration of medications, it is recommended to use spacers not only for children and patients who have coordination problems but more widely specially in severe asthma.