When it comes to the use in
inhalers in the management of chronic
obstructive pulmonary diseases, there are many options, considerations and challenges, which health care professionals need to address. Considerations for prescribing and dispensing, administering and following up, education, and adherence; all of these factors impact on treatment success and all are intrinsically linked to the device selected. This review brings together relevant evidence, real-life data and practice tools to assist health care professionals in making decisions about the use of
inhalers in the management of chronic
obstructive pulmonary diseases. It covers some of the key technical device issues to be considered, the evidence behind the role of
inhalers in disease control, population studies which link behaviors and adherence to
inhaler devices as well as practice advice on
inhaler technique education and the advantages and disadvantages in selecting different
inhaler devices. Finally, a list of key considerations to aid health care providers in successfully managing the use of
inhaler devices are summarized.