Evaluation of relationship of inhaler technique with asthma control and quality of life

INTRODUCTION: There is a need to assess erroneous steps in the use of inhaler devices in people who have asthma. The objectives of this study were to assess the inhaler technique in patients who have asthma, the factors affecting improper technique, and the association of inhaler use with asthma control, hospital visits, and quality of life (QOL) of patients who have asthma. METHODS: It was an observational, prospective, cross-sectional study conducted on patients with bronchial asthma. Patients were enrolled in the study; their history was recorded and they were asked to use inhaler in the presence of an investigator and the technique was scored. Asthma control and QOL of patients were assessed using asthma control questionnaire and Mini Asthma QOL questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 330 patients completed the study. Nearly 36.6% of the patients performed the steps incorrectly. Breathing normally for 30–60 min postinhaler use was the most common step done incorrectly. Patients with poorly controlled asthma (P < 0.001) and those with predicted forced expiratory volume at 1 s <70% performed the steps erroneously (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: All patients, particularly those above 40 years, should be given proper instructions regarding inhaler use to obtain therapeutic advantage.