Proper aerosol inhalation technique for delivery of asthma medications.

Forty-two (42) children with asthma, 7 to 15 years old, who had been taking aerosol medications from canister nebulizers for longer than 6 months were evaluated for adequacy of aerosol inhalation technique. The mouthpiece of a canister nebulizer was modified so that actuation of the canister and inhalation through the mouthpiece could be recorded. Of 42 patients, 24 had correct inhalation technique (they synchronized the actuation of canister and inhalation); 18 (43%) did not. The most frequent mistake (11 patients) was releasing the aerosol into the mouth without inhaling. Those who inhaled incorrectly were taught the correct technique by repeated instructions and demonstrations; 11 learned it within 5 minutes, but 7 required a longer instruction period. Most had retained the technique when retested later. The physician should teach each patient the correct technique when aerosol therapy is started and should check again on follow-up examinations to assure that the patient obtains maximum benefit from aerosol therapy.