Most Asthmatic Kids Do Not Use Inhaler in Correct Manner

A new study published in the journal Pediatrics has revealed that less than 10 percent of asthmatic children use traditional inhalers in a correct way while less than 25 percent use modern inhalers effectively. Researchers from Eshelman School of Pharmacy observed nearly 300 asthmatic children aged between 8 to 16 years and found that just over eight percent of the children followed metered-dose inhaler steps correctly with older children more effective in using the puffer.

Modern devices such as diskus, turbuhaler and peak-flow meter had better usage rates with 21.9 percent, 15.6 percent and 23.9 percent respectively.

“It is crucial that health-care providers not only show a child how to use an inhaler correctly but also have the child demonstrate the device in front of a physician or pharmacist. Pediatric practices are extremely busy places so we need innovative ways to demonstrate and assess device technique among asthmatic children”, lead researcher Betsy Sleath said.


Source-Medindia