[Inhalation therapy in chronic obstructive bronchial diseases]

A number of different inhalation appliances are available for the inhalation treatment of chronic obstructive bronchial diseases. Electrical aerosol appliances, aerosols providing measured dosage and dry powder inhalers all show good physical properties for creating aerosol particles with an average aerodynamic mass diameter of 2-9 microns, which is a prerequisite for optimum bronchial deposition. Advantages and disadvantages of the principal appliances available on the market are compared. In an overview the action, indications and side effects of beta-2 sympathomimetics, ipratropium bromide, anti-allergens and inhaled steroids are discussed. Both in chronically obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) and in chronic asthma, precise patient instructions and the correct use and combination of bronchial dilating medicines and inhaled steroids in asthma, and of beta-2 sympathomimetics and ipratropium bromide in COPD, are important for optimum effect of inhalation treatment. The literature shows that the widespread fear of side effects of steroids applied in inhalant form is unfounded.