A new inhalation technique for improved effect of aerosolized drugs in asthma. The shrug of the shoulder method.

A new, simple technique for inhalation of aerosolized drugs is described: During the breathholding period after inhalation from a pressurized aerosol the patient lifts his right and lowers his left shoulder and vice versa to "disperse" the drug as well as possible in the lungs. Twenty outpatients suffering from reversible bronchial obstruction inhaled two puffs from a pressurized terbutaline aerosol in the morning on two consecutive days using the new inhalation technique on one day and their ordinary technique on the other in this randomised, cross-over trial. Compared with the conventional method the new inhalation technique significantly improved bronchodilation as measured by forced expiratory volume in 1st s and forced vital capacity during a period of 6 h. The new method of inhalation may improve treatment with aerosolized drugs.