Inhalation therapy forms the backbone of the treatment of asthma and COPD patients. In spite of advances in the designing of the various inhalation devices, faulty inhalation technique has been prevalent through years, leading to inadequate delivery of the inhaled medications to the airways which results in poor management of these disorders. This observational and questionnaire based cross sectional study was conducted on COPD and asthma patients to analyse their inhaler technique. A total of 300 patients who were using any of the three inhalational devices viz DPI, MDI or MDI with spacer were enrolled for the study. Patient’s demographic data was collected and were asked to demonstrate their technique of using the inhalation device. Each step of the technique was compared with that of the standard checklist. Amongst the enrolled patients, only 20.33% completed all necessary steps of their prescribed inhaler technique, while 79.67% did at least one error while performing the technique. Among various devices, 22.67% (n=34) of patients using DPI; 13.33% (n=12) using MDI; and 25% (n=15) using MDI + Spacer could complete all the necessary steps of usage of their inhalation device. The study revealed that performance technique of inhalation devices amongst majority of the patients was not optimum. Diverse factors including low education status, old age, rural residence, lack of awareness and tobacco smoking habits were found to be associated with poor inhaler technique. Thus patient education, training and rather a practical demonstration regarding proper utilization of the device remain the cornerstone of fruitful management.

Keywords: Inhalation therapy, technique, device, COPD, asthma.

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Dr Jebin Abraham

Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government Medical College, Patiala, Punjab, India

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