PG21 - Practical problems with aerosol therapy

Postgraduate Course
Chairs: G. Joos (Gent, Belgium), D. Olivieri (Parma, Italy)
Aims: Inhalation is the preferred route of delivery for anti-asthma drugs. However, the proliferation of inhaler devices has resulted in a confusing number of choices for clinicians who are selecting a delivery device for aerosol therapy. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each device category. In reality, inhalers are often prescribed on an empirical basis rather than on evidence-based awareness. Evidence-based recommendations for the selection of the appropriate aerosol delivery device in specific clinical settings are needed.
The main aims of this course are:
-to compare the efficacy and adverse effects of treatment using different device categories;
-to illustrate the differences in the selection criteria according to who you are asking (i.e. the inhalation technologist, the physician or the patient);
-to provide recommendations to clinicians to aid them in selecting a particular aerosol delivery device for their patients.

A comparison of the effectiveness of different inhaler devices S. Newman (Nottingham, United Kingdom)
Device selection in the outpatient setting N. Hanania (Houston, Tx, United States of America)
Device selection in the hospital acute care setting B. J. O'Connor (London, United Kingdom)
Use of inhaler devices in children S. Pedersen (Kolding, Denmark)