Teaching chronic obstructive airway disease patients using a metered-dose inhaler

摘要

Asthma and chronic obstructive airway disease (COAD) are chronic inflammatory disorders of the airways which are usually associated with widespread airway obstruction that is often relieved by treatment. β_2-adrenoreceptor agonists and corticosteriods are the mainstay of the management of this disease. The preferred route of administration of these agents is by inhalation. This allows the drug to be delivered directly to the airway with more rapid relief and fewer side effects than systemic route. The main disadvantage of metered-dose inhaler (MDI) use is that the correct use requires good technique; mainly, coordinating the beginning of inspiration with the actuation of the inhaler. Several studies indicated that 24% — 89% of patients have poor technique when using the MDI. To solve this problem, detailed patient education by medical personnel has been recommended. In Hong Kong, physicians may tend to rely on the patients' reading the package insert because of limited consultation time. Under such circumstances, nursing and pharmacy staff may play active roles in teaching patients using MDIs.