Fenoterol powder inhaler technique in children: influence of inspiratory flow rate and breath-holding.
The bronchodilator response after three different modes of inhalation of 0.2 mg fenoterol from a fenoterol powder inhaler was assessed in ten asthmatic children in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. There was a small, but statistically significant increase in response when the children inhaled as fast as possible, compared with very slow inhalations (16-19 l/min), but a breath-holding pause of 10 s after the inhalation had no significant effect on bronchodilation. Peak inspiratory flow through the inhaler, measured in 150 normal children aged 3.5-15 years, showed that all the children studied were able to generate a sufficient inspiratory flow to benefit from treatment with this inhaler. It is concluded that children using a fenoterol powder inhaler should be taught to inhale as fast as possible. They need not hold their breath after the inhalation.
Pedersen
S
S
Steffensen
G
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000336:Aerosols; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005280:Fenoterol / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006801:Humans; D011208:Powders; D012123:Pulmonary Ventilation; D012119:Respiration; D014797:Vital Capacity
D000336:Aerosols; D011208:Powders; D005280:Fenoterol