The Use of Metered Dose Inhalers:
Where are we?
612-614
Correspondence
Naren S Dudyala,
Asst Prof, Pediatrics,
Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences,
Amalapuram Andhra Pradesh 533201, India.
Phone: 09491130738
E-mail: dudyalanaren@gmail.com
dudyalanaren@rediffmail.com
The use of inhaled drugs is a basic aspect of the treatment of patients with asthma, in acute episodes as well as in maintenance therapy. For years, conventional nebulizers were the only inhalers available. With the advent of pressurized metered-dose inhalers, the delivery of drugs such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids into the respiratory tract is optimized. Treatment failure in individuals with asthma frequently results from the incorrect use of metered-dose inhalers, which is typically a consequence of a lack of counseling by health professionals, many of whom are unfamiliar with the technique. The Konaseema Institute of Medical sciences, Institute for Children is a tertiary hospital where patients with pulmonary disease states are treated in the emergency room, intensive care unit, outpatient clinic and nurseries. The present prospective study was aimed to evaluate the knowledge regarding the use of pressurized metered-dose inhalers among the professionals working in the hospital,. Statistical analysis by chi-square test and p values, observes a significant difference between the correct usage and the prescribing health care professionals of the hospital which was done as per an evaluation chart. Hence the need for periodic training and evaluation.