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Turbutest™ in the training of asthmatic Turbuhaler™ users
Author(s) -
Branco Ferreira M,
Santos A,
Clode MH,
Palma Carlos AG
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
allergy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.363
H-Index - 173
eISSN - 1398-9995
pISSN - 0105-4538
DOI - 10.1034/j.1398-9995.1999.00969.x
Subject(s) - inhaler , medicine , inhalation , asthma , dry powder inhaler , physical therapy , anesthesia
Background: Correct utilization of inhalation devices is a key factor in asthma management. Objective assessment of the ability to use inhaler devices is therefore fundamental. Methods: The objective was to assess objectively the inhalation technique of Turbuhaler™ users who reported having no difficulty in using such a device. A total of 600 asthmatic patients of our allergology outpatient department, daily users of Turbuhaler devices, were evaluated with Turbutest™. This is a simple portable apparatus which connects a Turbuhaler inhaler with an electronic device to allow semiquantitative assessment of inhalation technique, with a score ranging from 0 (worst) to 3 (best), readily visualized on the apparatus. Patients were allowed to practice with Turbutest, assisted by an allergologist, until they improved their scores. A second Turbutest assessment was performed at a 2‐month follow‐up visit. Results: On the first assessment, one‐third of the patients had scores inadequate to allow a good inhalation, and only 20% achieved a score of 3. On the second assessment, significantly higher Turbutest scores were observed. Conclusions: Turbutest is a valuable tool in asthmatic patients' training, allowing identification and improvement of an inadequate inhalation technique with Turbuhaler.