Narrative Review of the Role of Patient-Reported Outcomes and Inhaler Handling Errors in the Control of Asthma and COPD

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic respiratory diseases that remain uncontrolled in many patients, despite the wide range of therapeutic options available. This review analyzes the available clinical evidence on 3 budesonide/formoterol DPI devices, Spiromax(®), Turbuhaler(®), and Easyhaler(®), in terms of patient-reported outcomes (PROs), inhaler errors, and asthma and COPD control. RECENT FINDINGS: The effectiveness of dry powder inhalers (DPI) depends largely on the device and the patient’s inhaler technique. Equally important are the patient’s perception of the inhaler and adherence. Given the high burden of these diseases, it is important that efforts be made to select the best DPI for each patient and to analyze the impact of these variables to help improve the health and quality of life of our patients. SUMMARY: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the present knowledge about PROs, inhaler handling errors, and asthma and COPD control achieved by Spiromax(®), Turbuhaler(®), and Easyhaler(®).