Review: pressurised metered dose inhalers are as effective as other hand held inhalers for corticosteroid use in asthma

Outcomes included lung function (FEV1), quality of life measurements, symptom scores, drugs for additional relief, acute exacerbation, days off work or school, treatment failure, patient compliance, patient preference, adverse effects, bronchial hyperreactivity, and systemic bioavailability. Proper education in the use of the various hand held delivery systems is crucial because substantial rates (between 12% and 90%) of incorrect metered dose inhaler use have been reported. 1 In the investigational setting (the "best case scenario") patients receive detailed instructions that are reinforced throughout the study.