The Relationship Between Inhaler Use and Oral Problems in Patients with COPD and Affecting Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

AIM: This study aimed to determine the relationship between inhaler drug use and oral problems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the affecting factors. METHOD: The study has an analytical and cross-sectional design. The study was conducted between August 2020 and January 2021 with 208 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving treatment at a university hospital and using inhaler drugs. Research data were collected using a questionnaire and Eiler’s oral assessment guide. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-test and Pearson’s correlation test were used for dependent groups. RESULTS: There was a positive significant correlation between the deterioration in the oral mucosa and the use of drugs containing ipratropium bromide + salbutamol and the use of combined drugs with budesonide effect (p < .05; p < .01). Eiler’s score was higher in patients receiving combined treatment of ipratropium bromide + salbutamol and corticosteroids (F = 4.80; p < .05). It was determined that there is a relationship between diabetes, heart diseases, cough, oxygen use, and oral problems. CONCLUSION: A relationship was found between inhaler drug use and oral problems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Oxygen use, diabetes, heart diseases, and cough were also found to affect oral health.