7^th International Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Conference

Inhalation is the preferred method for medication delivery in COPD and asthma. The choice of the respiratory tract as the drug delivery route over other routes (e.g. per OS or IV) offers not only better lung deposition of the medication but also less side effects. So, by using an inhaler device we can achieve optimal drug efficacy with lower medication doses and a more rapid onset of action. As COPD progresses, breathing becomes difficult as inspiratory capacity is reduced. This is even more perceptible during COPD

exacerbations, when patients need even more efficient and fast acting medications. Aiming at the COPD symptoms’ relief, all the available inhaler devices can achieve an optimal lung deposition, if they are used appropriately. The several inhaler devices that are available nowadays are divided in three main groups (metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers and soft mist inhalers), but even within groups there are many differences between the devices. These differences make each device unique for its use and properties.

The optimal use of the inhalers is based on the understanding and the correct demonstration of their use, but also on the fitting to the patient’s needs and preferences. The purpose of this presentation is the understanding of the mode of action of the available inhaler devices and the differences between them, the importance of the demonstration of their use to the patients and the matching of each inhaler to the specific needs of every patient.