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. 2017 Dec 6;26(146):170055.
doi: 10.1183/16000617.0055-2017. Print 2017 Dec 31.

Inhaler technique: does age matter? A systematic review

Sarah Barbara  1   2 , Vicky Kritikos  3 , Sinthia Bosnic-Anticevich  3   2
Affiliations

Inhaler technique: does age matter? A systematic review

Sarah Barbara et al. Eur Respir Rev. .

Abstract

Poor inhaler technique and inferior asthma outcomes are evident in older adults. Reviews comparing metered dose inhaler (MDI) and dry powder inhaler (DPI) techniques across older adults and younger cohorts are scarce. This systematic review aimed to determine whether differences exist between such cohorts with regards to the number and type of MDI and DPI errors made. A systematic literature search was conducted in Embase, Medline and PubMed from July 1 to December 31, 2016. Studies were selected in accordance with preset inclusion criteria, relevant data were extracted, and quality was assessed with validated checklists. 14 studies were identified. Evidence suggests a negative correlation between advancing age and correct technique across MDI and varying DPI devices when examined collectively. Differences appear to exist between older adult and younger cohorts prescribed MDIs in error types. There is evidence of age-associated differences in the number and type of inhaler technique errors. Further research is required to assess outcomes in individual DPIs, reproducibility and the effects of confounders.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest: Disclosures can be found alongside this article at err.ersjournals.com

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
Flow diagram of studies included in the systematic review.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Graphical representation of percentage of participants performing inhaler technique errors according to age.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Graphical representation of number of inhaler technique errors made (standardised to a score out of a maximum of 10 errors).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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