Errors in Metered Dose Inhaler Use Amongst Pediatric Asthma Patients

Figures & data

Table 1 Subject Characteristics

Characteristic	Value
Subjects, No.	31
Female/male	6/25
Age, y	6 ± 1
Mean ACT score (12–24)	16 ± 3
Poorly controlled, No.	25
Well Controlled, No.	6
Device Usage (No. of years)	1
Training Received, No.	31
MDI used alone	10
MDI used under supervision	21
R5-20, cmH2O. s/L
Prebronchodilator	3.81 ± 1.32
Postbronchodilator	2.30 ± 0.64
Subjects that underwent FOT, No.	17
Subjects with significant BDR	6 (35%)

Table 2 Quantification of Measured Inhalation Technique Errors

MDI Technique Errors	Number
Total Breaths per Actuation	11 (±12)
Maximum number of breaths per single actuation	44
Ideal Actuation Count (2)	4
Too few actuations (1)	22
>2 Actuations	6
Maximum Number of Actuations	6

Abbreviations: MDI, metered dose inhaler; DPI, dry powder inhaler; FOT, forced oscillation technique; ACT, asthma control test; GINA, global initiative for asthma; BDR, bronchodilator response.

Figure 1 Impact of MDI use on asthma control.

Notes: Depicts the association between Asthma Control Scores and inhalation technique, 25 of 31 participants had poorly controlled asthma, taking more than 4 breaths per a single actuation, while only 6 had well controlled asthma taking less than 4 breaths per actuation. Darker colored data points indicate two patients.