P hysicians and patients often have different views and perspectives of what constitutes well-controlled asthma. Although patients are routinely informed about the use of inhalers for treatment of their asthma, physicians sometimes overestimate the pa-tient's competence and knowledge of optimal inhaler usage. True to the publication of diverse issues that comprise and challenge the field of all...

Using an inhaler device correctly is essential to ensure that patients receive maximum benefit from their prescribed medication. The most effective inhaler device is one that the individual patient can and continues to use to deliver the right amount of medication consistently. This article discusses the key points to consider when using aerosol inhalers.

As a worldwide ban on the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) in inhaler devices approaches, considerable attention has been focused on the production of CFC-free delivery devices. The aim of our study was to compare the delivery of salbutamol by dry powder inhaler (DPI), Turbuhaler and a CFC-free metered-dose inhaler (MDI), Airomir, used with a novel small volume metal spacer (NebuChamber). Ten ...

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the retail sales of pressurised metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs), dry-powder inhalers (DPIs) and liquids for nebulisation in 16 European countries. METHODS Retail sales data relating to pMDIs, DPIs and liquids for nebulisation delivering short- and long-acting bronchodilators, corticosteroids and combinations between 2002 and 2008 were obtained from the IMS sales database. ...

The efficacy of a single metered dose inhaler containing a combination of fenoterol (100 micrograms/puff) and ipratropium bromide (40 micrograms/puff) has been assessed in 12 asthmatics. We conclude that the bronchodilator effect of 2 puffs of the combination inhaler was significantly greater than that achieved by 2 puffs of salbutamol (100 micrograms/puff).

Inhaled therapies are central to the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Physicians consider many factors when selecting the most appropriate inhaler device, including device efficacy and the cost to the health care system. This review aims to discuss the factors that are important when considering inhaler devices and the importance of continuity in the choice of inha...

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Previous reports indicate that inhaled corticosteroids attenuate airway inflammation. Beclomethasone inhaler was highly effective in the prevention of postoperative airway symptoms. Intravenous lidocaine prior to endotracheal intubation has also been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat and cough. The aim of the present study was to compare the e...

BACKGROUND Spiromax(®) is a novel dry powder inhaler for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The studies presented here provide further data on attributes (in vitro dosing consistency with budesonide-formoterol (DuoResp) Spiromax; flow rates through empty versions of the Spiromax and Turbuhaler inhaler) of importance to patients with asthma or COPD. METHODS D...

The effect on aerosol deposition from a pressurised metered dose inhaler of a 750 cm3 spacer device with a one way inhalation valve (Nebuhaler, Astra Pharmaceuticals) was assessed by means of an in vivo radiotracer technique. Nine patients with obstructive lung disease took part in the study. The pattern of deposition associated with use of a metered dose inhaler alone was compared with that ac...