Systematic Review of Errors in Inhaler Use

Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) guidelines stress educating patients on the proper use of inhalers; poor technique is a common cause of uncontrolled asthma. Researchers performed a systematic review of 144 studies (involving 54,000 patients), conducted from 1975 through 2014, in which inhaler techniques were evaluated to find common errors.

Across all devices, about one third of patients used correct technique, one third used acceptable technique, and one third used poor technique that would diminish deposition of the drug significantly. The most common mistakes with metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) were (1) not coordinating inhalation with actuation of the device, (2) not maintaining full, slow, constant inspiration, and…