Metered Dose Inhaler Technique: A Priority Catch for Physicians

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a non-curable but preventable disease that can be controlled by a proper approach. Inhalational route is considered to be one of the fastest, non-invasive course for the management of asthma. Despite its importance, compliance towards proper inhalational technique remains quite low. Thus, United Kingdom guidelines and Global Strategy for Asthma Management and Prevention (GINA) recommend regular assessment of inhaler techniques in all asthma patients. Objective: To evaluate the inhalational technique of asthma patients visiting outpatient departments of public sector tertiary care hospitals of Rawalpindi and correlate with various demographic factors. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 209 respondents visiting the outpatient department of public sector hospitals in Rawalpindi. Asthmatic patients were included via a non-probability consecutive sampling technique and were assessed for inhaler techniques via a structured checklist. Statistical data were analyzed using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS®), version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Two hundred and nine asthma patients were included. Only 10% of patients demonstrated the correct inhaler technique. Continuing inhaling till lungs are full, holding breath for five to 10 seconds, and breathing out slowly after using the inhaler were most poorly followed. Conclusion: Most asthma patients are using poor inhalation technique, risking sub-optimal drug delivery and inadequate effects. Hence, it is the need of the hour to focus on patient training and education.

Study on the Relationship Between Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Cell Count, Th1/Th2 Cytokines and Pulmonary Function in Patients with Cough Variant Asthma

“…Inclusion criteria: patients with chronic cough meet the diagnostic criteria of the Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Cough (2015) 11 and the CA and CVA diagnosis meets the requirements of the 2018 Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) Guidelines of Asthma Management and Prevention 12 the Chinese Guidelines for Diagnosis and Management of Cough (2015). 11 CVA was diagnosed with a cough but without wheezing for more than 8 weeks and the presence of bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR, stimulating concentrations of acetylcholine resulting in a 20% decrease in FEV1 (PC20) at excitation, (PC20) below 16 mg/mL); patients older than 18 years.…”

Can Pharmacists’ Counseling Improve the Use of Inhalers and Quality of Life? A Prospective “Pre” and “Post” Education Analysis in Mardan, Pakistan

“…31 Various studies in Pakistan documented that in patients with asthma an improper inhalation technique persisted, leading to poor compliance and uncontrolled asthma status. 6,[32][33][34][35] Consultants and physicians are overburdened in Pakistan, so a community pharmacist's role is vital to assist patients and ultimately improve the asthma conditions of patients using inhalers. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led education intervention by a community pharmacist on QOL, inhaler technique, and adherence to therapy among patients with asthma during the endemic phase of COVID-19.…”