An audit of antiasthmatic drug inhalation technique and understanding

J Asthma. 1993;30(4):263-9. doi: 10.3109/02770909309054526.

Abstract

Inhaled rather than oral antiasthmatic therapy is accepted as more advantageous but depends on patient technique and understanding. In 74 asthmatic outpatients, technique using metered-dose inhaler (MDI) was poor; in 56 patients inhaling beta-agonist, the mean peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) increase was only 15 L/min (6%) greater than in 18 controls, p < 0.05, 95% confidence intervals 2-27 L/min or 2-11%. Tilting the head back and actuation "stopping" inspiration produced the least favorable PEFR responses; taken together, regression analysis yielded a statistically significant negative correlation with absolute or percentage PEFR change (R2 = 0.15; p < 0.02). Patients were unclear about which drugs to inhale as required or regularly. Among 19 patients reassessed inhaling beta-agonist, only 8 had baseline PEFR values within 10% of each other during both assessments. In the latter, the mean postinhalation PEFR increase was 36 L/min (or 13%) greater than the corresponding increase (or % change) at first assessment, p = 0.05 (0.08), 95% confidence intervals 0-73 L/min (-2 to 29%). Thus, MDI users should avoid tilting the head back, actuation stopping inhalation, and be more aware of prophylactic (steroid) versus symptomatic (beta-agonist) treatment.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Adolescent
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / administration & dosage*
  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists / therapeutic use
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Asthma / drug therapy*
  • Asthma / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers*
  • Peak Expiratory Flow Rate
  • Self Administration

Substances

  • Adrenergic beta-Agonists