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Abstract

Objective: To assess the inhalational technique of metered dose inhalers among the Asthma and COPD patients visiting a tertiary care hospital.Methodology: This cross sectional descriptive study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital, Lahore from January 2018 to April 2018. A total of 150 Patients of Asthma and COPD, using the inhaler (pMDI) regularly, were selected by non-probability purposive sampling from medical wards and the outdoor department over a period of 4 months. Children and debilitated elderly patients were excluded. Data was collected by the interviewer on a questionnaire with a checklist of 8 essential steps of correct inhalation technique and other related factors. SPSS version 20 was used to analyze data.Results: Out of 150 patients selected for the study, 86 (57.3%) were asthmatics and 64 (42.7%) suffered from COPD. 36 (41.9%) of Asthmatics and 15 (23.4%) of COPD scored 6 or more points on assessment. 19 (12.67%) of users also owned a large volume spacer (LVS) and only 6(4%) used LVS regularly. Patients previously educated about correct use and those with prolonged duration of illness (>5 years) showed better technique more often (42% and >50% respectively).Conclusion: Majority of patients exhibited poor inhalation technique of Metered-dose Inhalers which is the key to controlling asthma and COPD symptoms. Patient training regarding proper technique correlates significantly with better technique  Hence, proper patient education on follow up visits and hospital discharge is needed for improved outcome.