Assessing the effectiveness of inhalation therapy in patients with chronic airway diseases: A new digital measurement

Background This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of inhalation therapy in patients with chronic airway diseases via the use of a new multiparametric inhalation assessment device. Methods A multiparametric inhalation evaluation device (PF810, UBREATH, Zhejiang, China) that could simulate common inhalation devices with 6 different levels (0-V) of resistance was used in this study. The device was considered suitable if the three parameters of peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR), effective inspiratory time (EIT), and breath-hold time (BHT) after inspiration met the minimum requirements. Results A total of 4,559 tests were performed. The qualification rates of 0-V resistance gear from low to high were 3.38% (I), 8.42% (0), 15.31% (II), 16.71% (III), 20.27% (IV), and 46.91% (V). The COPD patients in the 3 experimental groups had the lowest percentages of isolates classified as resistant 0, III, and V, which were 5.65%, 11.93%, and 40.43%, respectively. The lowest percentage was 39.67% (V) for insufficient EIT and 18.40% (V) for BHT less than 5 s after inspiration. The results of 149 subjects who had used the inhalation device showed that the VIE and EIT at 0 levels were significantly greater than those before training (Z= -5.651, -5.646, P < 0.001). The VIE and EIT at I-III and V significantly increased after training (all P < 0.05). Conclusions Patients using portable inhaler devices do not always inhale with adequate flow patterns. The multiparametric inhalation assessment device may be useful in outpatient settings.