Assessment of Inhalation Technique of Bronchial Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients at a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital: A Prospective Observational Study
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Abstract
Background: Bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive airway disease are the two most common chronic lung diseases encountered in our hospitals. The treatment usually includes the use of bronchodilators and steroids, which are best delivered through the inhalation route. Metered-dose inhalers are routinely prescribed for this purpose. [1,2,3]
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted for three months at Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre with a sample size of 80. Data on metered-dose inhaler prescriptions, patient demographics, diagnoses, and healthcare outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results: Among the 80 participants observed, 49 (61.25%) were males. The correct technique was observed in only 23 (28.75%) patients. The step at which a maximum number of patients committed mistakes was exhalation (60.00%) followed by breath holding (35.88%). No significant correlation was found between the accuracy of the technique and the guide who taught the technique, age, sex, education status, or area of residence of the patients, disease of the patients and duration of device usage.
Conclusion: It was found that substantial errors were made in the inhalation technique hence proper training and follow-up of the patients is required to achieve the desired effects of the inhaled medications.
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