As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may face new challenges in managing their symptoms. Springtime can bring increased pollen and air pollution levels, which can trigger flare-ups and exacerbations in people with these conditions. However, with some proactive steps, it is possible to manage asthma and COPD effectively during the spring.

As the seasons change and the weather gets warmer, people with respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may face new challenges in managing their symptoms. Springtime can bring increased pollen and air pollution levels, which can trigger flare-ups and exacerbations in people with these conditions. However, with some proactive steps, it is possible to manage asthma and COPD effectively during the spring.

• The FRI deposition profiles highlight that the MDI/AeroChamber Plus* Flow-Vu* VHC delivered a significantly greater percentage of drug to the lung region than either of the two DPIs, irrespective of flow rate.
• This was reflected in much higher modelled oropharyngeal deposition for the two DPIs.
• The influence of inhalation flow profile was significant for one of the DPIs.

Short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) monotherapy is typically required to provide as needed short term relief of bronchoconstriction. The salbutamol EasyHaler† DPI has recently become available in the UK as an alternative to delivery by pressurized metered-dose inhaler. Our study evaluated delivery from this DPI at different inhalation flow rates.

As current MDIs contain hydrofluorocarbon propellants, it would be beneficial to find ways to reduce carbon emissions without compromising patient safety.

This lab study investigated a way to optimize the modelled lung dose per actuation while at the same time minimizing the carbon emissions from the MDI

More consistent dose delivery was achieved with the breath actuated technology rather than breath enhanced. Delivering medication only when the patient inhales would result in more stable therapy if I:E ratio was to change with disease< progression or if the patient took breaks to talk during treatment.

This study was presented at the Drug Delivery to the Lungs Conference, 2022.

More consistent dose delivery was achieved with the breath actuated technology rather than breath enhanced.
Delivering medication only when the patient inhales would result in more stable therapy if I:E ratio was to change with disease< progression or if the patient took breaks to talk during treatment.

Summary:

Presented at DDL 2017 in Edinburgh

• Valved holding chambers are widely prescribed to assist patients receiving inhaled medications by avoiding losses caused by imperfect coordination of inhalation and actuation and also to reduce oropharyngeal deposition.
• Regardless of whether using a solution based formulation (like Qvar) or a suspension formulation (Flovent), the use of a valved holding chamber reduced the amount of medication deposited in the mouth (oropharynx) and increased the potential for lung delivery
• This study can be used to help demonstrate the value of using a valved holding chamber for both solution and suspension formulated metered dose inhalers and for all patient populations, including adults

Asthma control and global warming are important issues that have significant impacts on human health and the environment.

It is critical however to ensure that maintaining or improving the patient’s asthma control goes hand in hand with environmental actions.

This lab study investigated how to optimize the modelled lung delivery while at the same time minimizing the carbon emissions from the MDI.