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Review
. 2015 Apr;32(4):285-92.
doi: 10.1007/s12325-015-0201-9. Epub 2015 Apr 7.

Asthma control: the right inhaler for the right patient

Nicola Scichilone  1
Affiliations
Review

Asthma control: the right inhaler for the right patient

Nicola Scichilone. Adv Ther. 2015 Apr.

Abstract

Inhaled therapy is the cornerstone of asthma management in that it optimizes the delivery of the medication to the site of action. The effectiveness of inhaled therapy is affected by the correct choice of the device and proper inhalation technique. In fact, this influences the drug delivery and distribution along the bronchial tree, including the most peripheral airways. In this context, accumulating evidence supports the contribution of small airways in asthma, and these have become an important target of treatment. In reality, the "ideal inhaler" does not exist, and not all inhalers are the same. Advances in technology has highlighted these differences, and have led to the design of new devices and the development of formulations characterized by extrafine particles that facilitate the distribution and deposition of the drug particles along the respiratory tract. In addition, efforts have been made to implement adherence to chronic treatment, which translates into clinical benefit. Taken together, the optimal control of asthma depends on the drug that is selected, the device that is employed and the removal of factors that reduce patient's adherence to therapy.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Dimensions of the particles of the inhaled fixed combination formulations in terms of mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD). BDP/F beclometasone dipropionate/formoterol, BUD/F budesonide/formoterol, DPI dry powder inhaler, FP/Salm fluticasone propionate/salmeterol, FP/F fluticasone propionate/formoterol, pMDI pressurized metered dose inhaler
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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