Inhaler Use Technique in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Errors, Practices and Barriers

Recalibrating Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Nebulizers versus Inhalers for Maintenance Therapy in COPD: Past as Prologue

Aerosol therapy administered via handheld inhaler or nebulizer device has long been standard for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), both for maintenance therapy and for management of acute exacerbations. Of the 2 options for drug delivery, inhaler devices are the most widely used for ambulatory patients with COPD as they are small, portable, and convenient and offer an array of medication options. They are, however, prone to suboptimal inhalation technique and use errors, which decrease the amount of medication delivered, compromise efficacy, and adversely affect clinical outcomes. Nebulizers are less often employed for aerosol delivery than inhalers, particularly in the home environment. Considered bulky and expensive, nebulizers have historically had limited medication options compared with inhalers. Nonetheless, nebulizers may be preferred over inhalers in specific patient populations, such as in patients with poor lung function, lack of hand-breath coordination, or cognitive impairment. Furthermore, technological advances and development of new nebulizer-compatible medications are shifting the benefit equation for nebulizers versus inhalers in a way that merits reconsideration of the role of nebulizers in the maintenance treatment of COPD. Using the available literature, this state-of-the-art review critically evaluates the benefits and limitations of aerosol therapy delivery via inhaler or nebulizer for patients with COPD; describes the factors that may influence the benefit equation, including current advances in nebulizer technology and future developments; and provides insights on implementation of nebulizer therapy in clinical practice.

Palliative Care Needs of Women With Advanced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Mixed Methods Study

Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience high symptom burden, severe illness, and frequent deterioration in quality of life. Women with COPD represent a unique population with potential unmet care needs yet remain underrepresented in palliative care (PC) literature. The purpose of this study was to investigate specific needs of women with COPD, learn how COPD symptoms impact women, and explore factors related to PC knowledge, access, and barriers. A total of 30 individuals were enrolled in this prospective, single-arm multimethod study, using an adapted Maslow's hierarchy of needs framework. Fifteen participated in semistructured interviews. Women with advanced COPD identified care needs and barriers including access to medications/oxygen and resources (pulmonary rehabilitation/support groups), information about disease/treatment, and effect of weather conditions on symptoms. Some participants were not under the direct care of a pulmonologist but recognized the importance of their services. None of the participants had been referred to or received PC. This study provides evidence that women have unmet care needs, high symptom burden, and disease uncertainty. Women with COPD should have the opportunity to have the supportive care that PC offers. Palliative care and hospice nurses have opportunities to address unmet care needs, increased symptom burden, and disease uncertainty.

Characteristics of Inhaler Technique in COPD Patients in a Specialized Center in Armenia, Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

The aim of this research was to evaluate the technique of using inhaled drugs in patients with a confirmed history of COPD and describe errors in inhaler technique.

Patients and Methods

Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in patients with a history of COPD using inhalation therapy, attending pulmonology consultation between August 2020 and April 2021 in Armenia, Colombia. A non-probabilistic sample of 80 adult participants was calculated, and the inhalation technique was evaluated (depending on the device used) using a scale validated for Colombia. Descriptive analysis of the qualitative variables was performed using frequencies and percentages. The Chi-Square test and Fisher's exact test (in corresponding cases) were used to look for association relationships between categorical variables.

Results

A total of 80 participants were evaluated, of which 66.3% (n = 53) were male, and 32.5% were older than 80 years. Clinically, 30.0% (n = 24) were classified as Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC) grade 3, and 51.2% (n = 41) had at least one exacerbation per year. The main comorbidity was hypertension (40.3%). Pressurized metered-dose inhalers with spacer were the most used device at 22.7% (n = 39). Incorrect technique (at least one error in the steps of the inhalation technique used) was found in 48.7%. The most frequent error among all the techniques was the failure to perform pre-inspiratory exhalation. No significant differences were observed between the development of the technique and the characteristics of the participants.

Conclusion

Nearly half of the patients who use inhalation devices make errors in the technique. Patient education and training of healthcare personnel represent a fundamental pillar in mitigating the incorrect use of these devices.

Packaging and Delivery of Asthma Therapeutics

Asthma is a life-altering, chronic disease of heterogenous origin that features a complex interplay of immune and environmental signaling. Although very little progress has been made in prevention, diverse types of medications and delivery systems, including nanoscale systems, have been or are currently being developed to control airway inflammation and prevent exacerbations and fibrosis. These medications are delivered through mechanical methods, with various inhalers (with benefits and drawbacks) existing, and new types offering some variety in delivery. Of particular interest is the progress being made in nanosized materials for efficient penetration into the epithelial mucus layer and delivery into the deepest parts of the lungs. Liposomes, nanoparticles, and extracellular vesicles, both natural and synthetic, have been explored in animal models of asthma and have produced promising results. This review will summarize and synthesize the latest developments in both macro-(inhaler) and micro-sized delivery systems for the purpose of treating asthma patients.