Abstract
The basic pathology of asthma is chronic inflammation of the airway, and inhibition of this inflammation is fundamental to control the symptoms. Since inhalants cause less systemic adverse effects compared to other dosage forms, these are basically used in the long-term management of asthma. However, it is essential to learn an inhalation technique to improve adherence to inhaled steroids, requiring sufficient instruction. In this study, we investigated the influences of checking patients' inhalation techniques by both pharmacists and patients using an inhalation instruction check list employing several indices of continuous treatment using 2 types of device, Diskus and Turbuhaler. In the Diskus-using group, the frequency of gargling was significantly increased by instruction from 2.6 ± 0.3 to 3.2 ± 0.4, and the Asthma Control Test (ACT) score was also significantly increased from 22.4 ± 3.2 to 23.4 ± 1.7. In the Turbuhaler-using group, the frequency of gargling was significantly increased from 2.0 ± 0.3 to 3.9 ± 0.4. Periodic instruction by pharmacists using the inhalation instruction check list improved items concerning proper use in the Diskus-using group, and the frequency of gargling after inhalation, ACT score, and self-evaluation score of inhalation control also significantly increased. The items concerning proper use were also improved in the Turbuhaler-using group, and the frequency of gargling after inhalation significantly increased.
