Inhaler errors: The impact on asthma & COPD

The mainstay of therapy for the management of airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is inhaled medication administration. The pressurised metered-dose inhaler (pMDI) and the dry powder inhaler (DPI) are the two most often utilised aerosol medicine delivery devices in daily respiratory practises. 

Although pMDIs are frequently administered, patients must correctly inhale and time their breathing and actuation to achieve efficient drug administration. DPIs, on the other hand, are breath-activated, and the majority of devices rely on a quick and forceful inhaling movement for drug delivery. This can be an issue for patients who find it difficult to inhale forcefully.

The number of devices has multiplied dramatically as a result of recent advancements in inhaler technology. However, the abundance of devices has caused uncertainty in how to use them.The usage of inhalers may not be adequately understood by patients and health care professionals (HCPs).

A mistake in any phase of this process may result in poor drug delivery to the lungs. In fact, mastering an inhaler device entails the proper preparation and handling of the device before inhalation, as well as an ideal inhalation technique.

There is no "perfect device," and numerous studies have demonstrated that, despite advancements in inhaler device technology, individuals with asthma and COPD frequently make inhaler technique mistakes while using both pMDIs and DPIs.

All of the devices evaluated appear to have significant critical error rates overall.

It is necessary to create and use uniform definitions of non-critical and critical device mistakes and to inform patients and healthcare professionals about them. We will be able to better manage COPD and asthma because of it."