ADD-ON INHALATION DEVICES CORRELATION AND INFLUENCE ON ASTHMATIC PATIENTS

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Salman International University (KSIU), South Sinai, Ras Sudr, Egypt

2 Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt

3 Chest Diseases Department, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

Abstract

Asthma is a prevalent condition, and a significant number of individuals with asthma are often misdiagnosed with other diseases. Inhalation therapy, with a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI), is the most often used treatment for asthma. Spacers and valved holding chambers (VHCs) are supplementary devices for (pMDIs), specifically created to address the typical difficulties patients encounter while using a pMDI to give aerosol medication. Spacers were designed specifically to address problems that patients have with the pMDI method, such as difficulties coordinating the actuation and inhalation, as well as the occurrence of local side effects due to deposition in the oropharynx. Existing clinical guidelines recommend the broad prescription and utilization of spacers. However, patients frequently fail to utilise these devices as intended despite their ubiquitous availability. To fully comprehend the potential of spacers and VHCs in enhancing the delivery of pressurized aerosols to patients, it is essential to know their background, as well as the important factors that influence the optimization of these devices. This understanding is crucial for both current and future advancements in this field.

We also emphasize practical suggestions for the proper utilization and upkeep of spacers/VHCs, which we believe provide practical assistance and guidance to both patients and healthcare providers.

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