Assessment of patterns of use of Dry powder inhaler (DPI), pressurized Metered dose inhaler (MDI), Nebulizer, DPI with MDI, DPI with Nebulizer, MDI with Nebulizer and the combination of DPI, MDI and Nebulizer, in patients with Asthma, Chronic obstructive

Asthma is a common long-term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs characterized by episodic reversible airway obstruction, increased bronchial reactivity, and airway inflammation. COPD is a progressive lung disease condition that leads to chronically poor airflow, and if not treated properly, may eventually lead to premature death. Inhaled medication is the cornerstone of the pharmacological treatment of patients with asthma and COPD. Majority of patients with Asthma and COPD do not use their inhalers/ nebulizer correctly, and develop side effects with decreasing quality of life. The present study was conducted to assess the patterns of use of DPI, Pressurized MDI, nebulizer and their combinations in patients with Asthma, COPD or other pulmonary diseases. It was aimed to provide counseling to patients using inhalers and nebulizer regarding its proper use. Over a period of 4 months, 137 questionnaires were filled. Majority of patients (17.5% out of 42.7%) were aged above 60 years and were using nebulizers. Most of the techniques for the use of inhaler were not properly implemented. Before the use of inhaler, majority of the patients (36.8%) inhaled air first; during the use of inhaler, patients (58.5%) instantly pressed the canister of inhaler; and after the use of inhaler, most of the patients (59.1%) did not gargle their mouth with water. Almost all patients (94.1%) found the technique of the use of inhaler/ nebulizer to be easy and a higher number of patients (61.3%) were counseled for the proper use of inhaler/ nebulizer. 62.0% of patients did not develop side effects, where as 26.2% and 11.6% of patients respectively developed oral thrush and salivation of mouth or swollen tongue, after the use of inhaler/ nebulizer. Thus education should be provided by health care providers regarding proper use of devices so as to improve patient quality of life.