All Asthma Devices Created Equal

(Ivanhoe Newswire) — A new study shows all aerosolized medication delivery systems, or inhalers, are equally effective when used properly. Researchers say patient education on how to use them is key to control asthma and other respiratory conditions.

For the first time, the American College of Chest Physicians and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology have developed guidelines for the selection of aerosol delivery devices. The guidelines were composed by an international panel of pulmonary experts.

In order to develop the guidelines, researchers reviewed data from clinical trials that compared the different types of inhalers. They found although there are advantages and disadvantages associated with each device and medication, when used properly, all the devices work equally well.

Researchers say health care providers should choose a device based on the needs of patients. For example, they should consider the device/drug availability, patients’ ages, their ability to use the device correctly, cost and reimbursement, time it takes to administer the drug, convenience, and patient preference.

“Use of inhaled aerosols has revolutionized the care of obstructive respiratory disease by allowing the selective delivery of optimal concentrations of drugs to the airway without creating the undesirable side effects that might result from systemic administration,” says Myron J. Zitt, M.D., president of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. “Nonetheless, the caregiver is in a quandary as to which aerosol delivery system is best for his or her patient. The new evidence-based guidelines provide additional criteria for device selection. Regardless of what delivery system is chosen, patient education is essential to assure optimal outcomes.”

SOURCE: CHEST, 2005;127:335-371