ASSESSMENT OF THE ABILITY OF YOUNG-CHILDREN TO USE A POWDER INHALER DEVICE (TURBUHALER)

The purpose of the study was to determine the age at which young asthm atic children could master the use of a new powder inhaler device (Tur buhaler). We studied 59 children with asthma between the ages of 3 and 6 years who consecutively attended the asthma clinic of the pediatric department. Efficiency of inhalation and the pharmacological effect o f the terbutaline in the inhaler were measured by scores for inhalatio n technique and clinical response. None of the 3-year-old children use d the device efficiently, but 43% of the rt-year-old, 67% of the 5-yea r-old, and 80% of the 6-year-old children used the inhaler correctly. Although inhaler technique was not perfect in the younger age group, 5 0% of the 3-year-old children demonstrated clinical improvement of ast hma symptoms after inhalation. In the older age groups, 79%, 92%, and 100% of the 4, 5, and 6-year-old children demonstrated clinical improv ement of asthma symptoms after inhalation. It is concluded that the ne w mode of dry powder delivery system (Bricanyl Turbuhaler) can be used in young asthmatic children who are 4 years of age and above.