title: [Errors in the technique of using measured-dose inhalers in asthmatic children and adolescents].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The MDI's are widely used in the treatment of asthma and are relatively easy to use. The response to this medicament is influenced by several facts that include the physical characteristics of the container and the technique used by the patient.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To identify the mistakes made by asthmatic children and teenagers in the use of the MDI's.
  
  
  METHODS
  This paper was a descriptive and observational study in 57 asthmatic patients who were between 5 to 17 years. For the evaluation of the inhalation technique we used a placebo without a spacer. There are 5 steps for the correct use of the inhaled medications: 1) opening, 2) agitation, 3) coordination between inhalation and the shoot of the MDI's, 4) a deep breath and holding it for at lest 6 seconds.
  
  
  RESULTS
  20 of the 57 patients (35%) followed all the steps correctly. The most frequent mistake was to take the deep breath, which was perform only by 20 (35%) out of the children. The second mistake we found in this study was the up holding inspiration at least for 6 seconds, which was done properly only by 31 patients (54%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The implantation of inhaled therapy programs directed and performed by specialists is recommended.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitario Dr. José Eleuterio González, Av. Madero y Gonzalitos s/n, Colonia Mitras Centro, 64440 Monterrey, NL, México.
authors.forename: Jorge Humberto
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: de la Rosa López
authors.forename: Sandra Nora
authors.initials: SN
authors.lastname: González Díaz
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Canseco González
authors.forename: Alfredo
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Arias Cruz
mesh_terms: D000280:Administration, Inhalation; D000293:Adolescent; D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009330:Nebulizers and Vaporizers; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D012646:Self Administration
chemical_list: D018927:Anti-Asthmatic Agents
vernacular_title: Errores en la técnica de uso de inhaladores de dosis medida en niños y adolescentes asmáticos.