Optimizing the inhalation flow and technique through metered dose inhalers of asthmatic adults and children attending a community pharmacy.
J Asthma
; 50(5): 505-13, 2013 Jun.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-23473438
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE:
Despite training, many patients continue to misuse their metered dose inhaler (MDI). Research Ethics Committee approval was obtained to evaluate two different methods to help patients use a slow inhalation flow when they use their MDI.METHODS:
Asthmatic children (n = 17) and adults (n = 39) prescribed an MDI had their inhaler technique assessed. Those who achieved the recommended inhalation flow rate (IFR) of <90 l/min through their MDI formed the reference group (named (control--CT)). Others that had a poor inhaler technique with an IFR ≥ 90 l/min were randomized into either the verbal counseling (VC) group, who received verbal training on the correct MDI use with emphasis on using a slow IFR or into the 2ToneTrainer (2TT) group, who received the VC and a 2Tone Trainer to take home and use. 2TT is a training aid with audible feedback when the required slow inhalation flow is used. The participants were assessed on two occasions, 0 (baseline) and 6 weeks later.RESULTS:
For the asthmatic adults, the median IFR at visit 1 was 68, 200, and 240 l/min for the CT, VC, and 2TT groups, respectively. Whereas on visit 2, the median IFR was 88, 48.5 (p < .001), and 65 (p < .001) l/min for the CT, VC, and 2TT groups, respectively. Improvements in asthma quality of life were achieved in VC and 2TT groups. The asthmatic children showed a similar trend.CONCLUSIONS:
Training by VC and a training aid helps patients use a slow IFR with an MDI and improves asthma-related quality of life.
Full text:
1
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Asthma
/
Community Pharmacy Services
/
Metered Dose Inhalers
Type of study:
Clinical_trials
Limits:
Adult
/
Child
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Female
/
Humans
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Male
/
Middle aged
Language:
En
Year:
2013
Type:
Article