Choosing the right inhaler

A broad range of inhaler devices are available to deliver medications for asthma patients. It is therefore important for physicians to consider the characteristics of each device, patients’ preferences, as well as patients’ ability to use a device optimally, when deciding which inhaler is most appropriate.

Answering the following questions can help you to select the correct inhaler for your patients:¹

1. Can your patient coordinate actuation of the pMDI with early inspiration?
2. Can your patient take an adequate and effective inspiration?

The main inhaler devices are categorized below (Table 1) according to patients’ abilities.

pMDI: pressurized metered-dose inhaler; DPI: dry powder inhaler; SMI soft mist inhaler

Table 1: Suitability of the main inhaler devices for different patient groups ¹

Reference

1. Adapted from Chapman KR, Voshaar TH, Virchow JC. Inhaler choice in primary practice. Eur Respir Rev 2005;14:117-122.