[The significance of incorrect spray technic on the consumption of terbutaline in patients with chronic obstructive lung disease].

A total of 140 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was included in this multicentre parallel group investigation with the object of assessing whether poor inhalation technique results in increased consumption of beta 2-agonist. On the basis of measurements of pulmonary function, the patients were stratified into two groups with good and poor inhalation techniques, respectively, and these were subdivided at random to inhalation of terbutaline via either a freon spray (aerosol) or Turbohaler (powder). During a period of four weeks the daily terbutaline consumption, the symptoms and pulmonary function were noted. Patients with poor inhalation technique did not have significantly increased terbutaline consumption. The consumption of terbutaline was independent of the method of administration. The Turbohaler was just as effective as the spray and the patients preferred this method, (p less than 0.05).