title: Administration of metered-dose inhalers: comparison of open- and closed-mouth techniques in childhood asthmatics.
abstract: It has been suggested that the effectiveness of bronchodilators administered from metered-dose inhalers (MDI) may be improved by altering the inhalation technique with which they are taken. The efficacy of the traditional closed-mouth technique of MDI use was compared with one in which the mouth remained open throughout inhalation. Eighteen asthmatics, aged seven to 16 years whose peak expiratory flow rates (PEFR) were less than 70% predicted, were studied. PEFR was measured before and 5, 10 and 15 minutes after a single inhalation of isoetharine using the open-mouth and closed-mouth techniques on separate days. There was no significant difference in PEFR improvement at any time when the two techniques were compared. Routine re-training of pediatric patients already using the traditional closed-mouth method successfully is not warranted on the basis of these findings.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D000336:Aerosols / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008722:Methods; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000336:Aerosols; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents