Source: Eur J Clin Nutr  |  Posted 9 years ago

Asthmatics who use pressurized breath activated inhalers seem to have better control of their asthma symptoms compared with those who use the conventional meter dose inhalers.

Breath activated inhalers (BAI) patients request fewer relief medication prescriptions, and have less call on healthcare resources, reports primary care specialists at the , University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland.

The clinicians point out there appears to be a relationship between asthma patients who receive a sub-optimal doses when they use their inhalers and the subsequent control of their asthma symptoms. This sub-optimal inhaler use is probably not taken into account in randomised controlled trials and systematic reviews, leading to exclusion of these patients because they are judged unable to correctly use devices in the trials.

Because BAIs are reported more easier to use than conventional meter dose inhalers (MDIs), the clinicians used a large primary care medical record database to examine the 'real-life' clinical effectiveness of a BAI vs. traditional MDIs. They compared the quantity of asthma-related medication--beta 2 agonist, oral steroids and antibiotics-- and healthcare needs among children up to the age of 12, and those over the age of 13 and their use of an BAI or an MDI over a 12-month period.

The clinicians found that among 5,556 new asthma patients who met the inclusion criteria, 306 used a BAI and 5,250 used a traditional MDI. Children and adults using the BAI received fewer prescriptions for all beta 2 agonists, oral steroids and antibiotics than those using an MDI. There was a statistical difference between prescriptions for children, and as well among adults with the exception of beta 2 agonist and antibiotics.

Children and adults using the BAI needed to consult their family doctors less often about their asthma, and experience fewer respiratory infections. Adults using the BAI required less outpatient appointments, as well.