Inhaler Therapy in Respiratory Diseases: Choosing the Right Device and Technique

Inhaler therapy plays a key role in the management of respiratory conditions such as asthma and COPD, but treatment effectiveness depends greatly on selecting the appropriate device and using the correct technique. This session will provide a practical overview of different inhaler devices, their...

• Inhaled medication is a cornerstone of pulmonary therapy, particularly for asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. By delivering drugs directly to the airways, clinicians achieve high local concentrations with significantly reduced systemic side effects compared to oral or intravenous routes. The therapeutic efficacy of aerosolized therapy is primarily dictated by particle size; a mass median aerodynamic diameter of two to five micrometers is optimal for deposition in the bronchi and bronchioles. Particles larger than five micrometers typically result in oropharyngeal deposition and drug wastage, while those smaller than one micrometer often remain suspended and are exhaled. Extra-fine particle formulations, often utilizing hydrofluoroalkane propellants, have been developed to enhance peripheral lung delivery, though clinicians must monitor for increased systemic absorption due to the high surface area of the alveolar region.