Nasal Inhalation as a Cause of Inefficient Pulmonal Aerosol Inhalation Technique in Children

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
To evaluate whether children can be taught the efficient use of a pressurized terbutaline aerosol with a tube spacer, 71 children were given careful instruction in aerosol inhalation technique according to the manufacturer''s instructions. Inhalation technique was assessed as being efficient when a child achieved an increase of > 19% in FEV1 [forced expiratory volume in 1 s] 10 min after taking 2 puffs of terbutaline (each puff = 0.25 mg). After instruction .apprx. 37% of children aged 5-7 yr and .apprx. 80% of children over 7 yr were efficient in inhalation technique. Inhalation through the nose after actuation into the mouth accounted for .apprx. 50% of treatment failures, with the problem being more frequent in the younger age group. When this error was corrected .apprx. 83% of the children were efficient in the technique. Coordination problems and too rapid inspiration after actuation were also common errors. The importance of checking all children''s inhalation technique before prescribing inhalation therapy was stressed. Careful instruction was not enough. The possibility of nasal inhaling should be considered when looking for causes of treatment failure.

This publication has 4 references indexed in Scilit: