1682 AEROSOL INHALATION TECHNIQUE FOR ASTHMATIC CHILDREN

Abstract

42 children with asthma who had been taking aerosol medication from canister nebulizers for longer than 6 months were evaluated for aerosol inhalation technique. Proper inhalation technique is a simple procedure. Patient should close lips around the mouthpiece of the nebulizer and exhale first. As the canister is actuated he should inhale deeply by mouth and breathhold for a few seconds before exhaling. The mouthpiece of a canister nebulizer was modified so that actuation of the canister and inhalation through the mouthpiece could be recorded on paper. The age range of the patients was 7 to 15. They were either on bronchodilator or steroid aerosols or a combination of both. Of the 42 tested, 24 had correct technique and 18 (43%) did not. 11 simply squirted the aerosol into the mouth without inhaling. 6 inhaled first, then actuated the aerosol. One inhaled only a whiff of air (50ml) with the actuation. Those who inhaled incorrectly were taught the correct technique. 11 learned it within 5 minutes of instructions and demonstrations. 7 required a teaching aid. When retested 1-2 weeks later, 15 out of 18 had retained the correct technique. 2 others learned it after the second lesson, but 1 could not be taught even after 6 lessons. Incorrect inhalation technique is a frequent finding among asthmatics taking aerosol medications. The physician starting this form of therapy should be certain to teach each patient the correct inhalation technique and also check those already on it.