When patients are first prescribed inhaled medication, it is essential to teach them about the correct use of their inhaler to ensure optimal drug delivery into the lungs.

Why it is important to emphasize correct inhaler techniques in Asthma and COPD patients?

• Failure to use inhalers correctly reduces their benefit from the medicine
• Patients should be taught how to use their inhaler when they are first prescribed inhaled medication
• Their technique should be checked at subsequent visits
• Patient’s abilities should be taken into account when selecting inhaler devices
• Interactive Audio-visual training videos can be useful to demonstrate correct inhaler technique

The two types of inhalers deliver medication directly to the airways through different mechanisms, and so should be used in different ways. For instance, with metered-dose inhalers, people have to inhale slowly, while the Diskus (dry powder) inhaler device requires a sharp inhalation.

Common Errors in Inhaler Technique :

DevicePotential Errors in Technique

Metered dose inhalers (pMDI)Lack of coordination between actuation and inspiration
Holding canister incorrectly
Not shaking canister before use
Pressing inhaler multiple times during single inhalation
Firing into mouth but inhaling through nose
Failure to exhale after slow and deep inhalation
Lack of strength or coordination to actuate device

Dry Powder Inhalers (DPI)Holding canister incorrectly
Exhaling through the mouthpiece
Not exhaling to residual volume before inhaling
Not inhaling forcefully
Inadequate or no breath hold

Teaching using online interactive step by step demonstration on correct inhaler techniques doubles the likelihood that patients with asthma will achieve the correct inspiratory flow when using their medication inhalers. Every inhaler is different, if a patient has used an inhaler in the past; the technique for a new inhaler might not be the same. Training a patient with the ready “learn and Practice” takes about 5 extra minutes. If asthma scores and quality of life improve, "the extra 5 minutes will be worth it in the long run”.

Source: www.uptodate.com