Comparison of inhaler technique errors among asthma patients using two different dry powder inhaler devices before and after pharmacist demonstration

N. Neenu; R. Mercy Dany; S. Parthiban; G. Naveeth Ahamed; H. Hema Nandhini; Subramaniyan Kannan; Sangameswaran Balakrishnan

doi:10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20263715

Authors

N. Neenu Department of Pharmacy Practice, S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
R. Mercy Dany Department of Pharmacy Practice, S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
S. Parthiban Department of Pharmacy Practice, S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
G. Naveeth Ahamed Department of Pharmacy Practice, S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
H. Hema Nandhini Department of Pharmacy Practice, S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
Subramaniyan Kannan Department of Pharmacy Practice, S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India
Sangameswaran Balakrishnan S. S. M. College of Pharmacy, Erode, Tamil Nadu, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3933.ijam20263715

Keywords:

Administration, Inhalation, Asthma, Patient education as topic, Powder inhalers, Treatment outcome

Abstract

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway disease requiring long-term management, with inhalation therapy as the cornerstone of treatment. Incorrect inhaler technique is common and contributes to poor disease control and reduced therapeutic efficacy. Patient education plays an important role in improving inhaler use and treatment outcomes. This study evaluated and compared inhaler technique, error patterns, and improvement following pharmacist demonstration among asthma patients using Revolizer and Lupihaler dry powder inhalers.

Methods: A prospective comparative observational study was conducted in a tertiary care hospital among 302 asthma patients, with 151 patients each using Revolizer and Lupihaler devices. Inhaler technique was assessed at three visits and categorized as good, needing improvement, or poor. Errors in key inhalation steps were documented, and structured pharmacist-led education was provided during follow-up. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results: At baseline, good inhaler technique was observed in 31 (20.52%) Revolizer users and 26 (17.21%) Lupihaler users, increasing to 131 (86.75%) and 120 (79.47%) by visit 3. Poor technique declined from 67 (44.37%) to 2 (1.32%) in the Revolizer group and from 54 (36.76%) to 5 (3.31%) in the Lupihaler group. Errors in exhaling fully, inhalation, breath holding, and checking remaining powder decreased in both groups following education, with greater reductions observed among Revolizer users.

Conclusions: Structured pharmacist-led education significantly improved inhaler technique and reduced errors with both dry powder inhalers, with slightly greater improvement observed among Revolizer users. Regular assessment and repeated inhaler education should be incorporated into routine asthma care to optimize treatment outcomes.

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