Aerosolterapia domiciliare con nebulizzatori in asma e BPCO: Cosa sta cambiando in Italia?

Translated title of the contribution: Home nebuliser therapy in asthmatic and COPD patients: Is this practice changing in Italy?

Francesco Romano, Marisa Ines Scarlato, Pier Aldo Canessa, Nicola Scichilone, Piersante Sestini, Margherita Neri, Maria Aliani, Maria Serra, Marco Bonavia, Vincenzo Cilenti, Cristina Cinti, Marco Lodi, Paola Martucci, Stefano Aiolfi, Andrea S. Melani

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background. Nebulisers are devices delivering aerosol therapy in asthmatic and COPD patients. Materials and methods. Comparison of two multicentre, observational surveys performed on 1999 and 2008. Both studies included a large population of Italian patients suffering from asthma or COPD and regularly using home nebuliser therapy. All enrolled subjects were assessed during a scheduled outpatient pulmonary visit. They gave information about their nebuliser treatment by a standardised self-compiled questionnaire. Results. The 1 st study included 816 subjects (40% had over 70 years of age; males 75%, females 25%; asthmatics 40%, COPD 60%). The 2nd study enrolled 151 subjects (48% over 70 years of age; males 82%, females 18%; asthmatics 47%, COPD 53%). The populations did not differ for gender, age, and primary respiratory diagnosis. The most commonly used medications were beta2-agonists, anticholinergics, and corticosteroids; nebulised drugs and their dosage did not differ between the studies. Coadmixture of more drugs was ubiquitous and performed by more than 90% of patients. Almost 80% of enrolled subjects for both studies selected their nebuliser themselves without any medical advice. The equipment was heterogeneous, but jet nebulisers accounted for more than 90% of the total. In the 1st investigation half of subjects had a glass reservoir vs. 15% in the 2nd study. Conclusions. We conclude that home nebuliser therapy remains common in Italy. Mixing of more drugs and the widespread use of corticosteroids were and remain peculiarities in our country. Health care givers can improve nebulizer practice by giving more education to their patients.

Translated title of the contributionHome nebuliser therapy in asthmatic and COPD patients: Is this practice changing in Italy?
Original languageItalian
Pages (from-to)36-41
Number of pages6
JournalRassegna di Patologia dell'Apparato Respiratorio
Volume28
Issue number1
StatePublished - Feb 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Aerosol
  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Nebulizer therapy

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
  • Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

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