International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter StudyCombination therapy of inhaled steroids and long-acting beta2-agonists in asthma-COPD overlap syndrome.
The efficacy of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs)/long-acting beta2-agonist (LABA) treatment in patients with asthma-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) overlap syndrome (ACOS) compared to patients with COPD alone has rarely been examined. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy for the improvement of lung function after ICS/LABA treatment in patients with ACOS compared to COPD alone patients. ⋯ This study provides clinical evidence that ACOS patients with mild-to-moderate airflow limitation showed a greater response in lung function after 3 months of ICS/LABA combination treatment.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyInfluence of inhaler technique on asthma and COPD control: a multicenter experience.
The successful management of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) mostly depends on adherence to inhalation drug therapy, the usage of which is commonly associated with many difficulties in real life. Improvement of patients' adherence to inhalation technique could lead to a better outcome in the treatment of asthma and COPD. ⋯ Adherence to inhalation therapy is one of the key factors of successful respiratory disease treatment. Therefore, health care professionals should insist on educational programs aimed at improving patients' inhalation technique with different devices, resulting in better long-term disease control and improved quality of life.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter StudyPrevalence of undiagnosed airflow obstruction among people with a history of smoking in a primary care setting.
The purpose of this study was to define the prevalence of undiagnosed airflow obstruction (AO) among subjects with a history of smoking but no previous diagnosis of chronic lung disease. The finding of AO likely represents diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ⋯ One-seventh of smokers have undiagnosed AO. Spirometry screening of smokers should be considered in order to diagnose AO at an early stage, with an emphasis on smoking cessation.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyAssessment of satisfaction with different dry powder inhalation devices in Greek patients with COPD and asthma: the ANASA study.
Poor adherence to inhaled therapy is common in patients with asthma and COPD. An inhaler selection based on patients' preference could be beneficial to adherence and treatment effectiveness. Properly designed questionnaires can assess patients' satisfaction with their medication devices. The aim of this study was to estimate, using the Feeling of Satisfaction with Inhaler (FSI-10) questionnaire, the ease of use and satisfaction of patients regarding three different marketed dry powder inhalers (DPIs): Diskus(®) (DK), Elpenhaler(®) (EH), and Turbuhaler(®) (TH). The FSI-10 is a self-completed questionnaire to assess patients' opinions regarding ease of use, portability, and usability of devices, irrespective of the drug used. ⋯ All DPIs tested were highly acceptable by asthma and COPD patients of different ages; nevertheless, EH received significantly higher ratings in most of the questionnaire domains. COPD patients in advanced stages of the disease generally expressed higher level of satisfaction with their devices.
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Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis · Jan 2016
Multicenter Study Observational StudyDrop in lung function during asthma and COPD exacerbations - can it be assessed without spirometry?
When assessing patients with exacerbation of asthma or COPD, it may be useful to know the drop in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) compared with stable state, in particular when considering treatment with oral corticosteroids. The objective of the study was to identify indicators of drop in FEV1 during exacerbations. ⋯ Increased wheezing, as experienced by the patient, and a decreased SpO2 value strongly indicated a drop in lung function during asthma and COPD exacerbations and should probably be taken into account when treatment with oral corticosteroids is considered.