Methods in Determining the Bioequivalence of Inhaled Products

Aerosol delivery to the lungs can be achieved with several devices that differ in their operating mechanisms and efficacies of aerosol delivery.There are several methods to measure aerosol delivery and deposition in a subject's lung,in order to assess the efficacy of aerosol generators and the impact of certain drugs.Instruments such as cascade impactors,imaging techniques,and laser diffraction are available for measuring the particle size of aerosols,which is the main factor in the deposition and distribution of the produced aerosol.From impactors to laser difEractors,they have different operating mechanisms,analysis times,and characteristics,in which each has its own advantages and limitations.Several models are available to investigate aerosol delivery and deposition,such as in vitro,in vivo,and ex vivo models.

Addition of Inhalation Training Devices and Smartphone Application to Verbal Counseling for Asthmatic Patients

Background:One of the main issues with pressurized metered dose inhalers(pMDI)is that some patients find it difficult to use it properly.Methods:This study was carried out to compare the effect of traditional verbal counseling and that of adding an inhalation training device,such as Flo-Tone or Clip-Tone,along with a smartphone application on the incidence of inhalation technique mistakes and the pulmonary function of asthmatic adults and children.Results:The lung function of those in the advanced counseling group significantly improved on the second visit(p<0.001),whereas for those in the verbal counseling group,their lung function only improved on the third visit(p<0.001).For both the groups,the mean number of mistakes in regard to the steps in inhalation technique decreased significantly(p<0.001),with an overall higher percentage in the advanced counseling group.Conclusion:The use of training devices and smartphone applications in addition to traditional verbal counseling for teaching asthmatic adults and children the correct inhalation technique steps using pMDI resulted in a significant improvement in pulmonary function and a significant reduction in the number of inhalation technique mistakes,compared to traditional verbal counseling alone.

Diseases of the Respiratory Tract: Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Short acting β2-agonists(SABAs)such as salbutamol and terbutaline are commonly used in the treatment of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD).According to the guideline produced by the British Thoracic Society(BTS)and the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network(SIGN),SABAs are considered to be the first line of treatment in asthma management.The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence(NICE)guidelines also recommend the use of SABA as the first line of treatment for managing patients with COPD.The recommendations in NICE guidelines state that in COPD patients,breathlessness and exercise limitation should be first medicated with short-acting bronchodilators(including β2-agonists or anticholinergics)when it is required.Both salbutamol and terbutaline have been widely used for asthma and COPD,and they have been found to be extremely beneficial in the two pathologic conditions.

Inhalation Devices and Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Inhaled drug delivery is mainly used to treat pulmonary airway disorders by transporting the drug directly to its targeted location for action.This decreases the dose required to exert a therapeutic effect and minimizes any potential adverse effects.Direct drug delivery to air passages facilitates a faster onset of action;it also minimizes irritation to the stomach,which frequently occurs with oral medications,and prevents the exposure of drugs to pre-systemic metabolism that takes place in the intestine and liver.In addition to that,the lung is regarded as a route for transporting medications throughout the entire body's blood circulation.The type of medication and the device used to deliver it are both important elements in carrying the drug to its target in the lungs.Different types of inhalation methods are used in inhaled delivery.They differ in the dose delivered,inhalation technique,and other factors.This paper will discuss these factors in more detail.

Respiratory Tract, Ventilation, and Pulmonary Functions Tests

Breathing is considered the common factor that links studying,sleeping,and activities.It is one of the primary indicators that is frequently considered when determining whether or not an unconscious individual is still alive.The evolution and development process of the respiratory system that occurs in a foetus is primarily from head to tail(cephalocaudal).Many changes occur throughout this period until the 28th week of pregnancy at which the foetus^respiratory system will attain adequate development for the rest of his or her life.The respiratory system comprises of the lungs and the encompassing thoracic wall,which includes the thoracic cages,midriff(diaphragm),and the abdominal wall.Spirometry is a procedure used for estimating air volumes that enter and exit the pulmonary system with the aid of a spirometer.The various pulmonary parameters that reflect pulmonary ventilation are of great significance in diagnosing respiratory diseases.The respiratory system will be discussed in more detail in this article.

Overview of Spirometry and the Use of Its Parameters for Asthma Monitoring in Children

Asthma is the most common chronic pulmonary disease in the world,affecting more than three hundred million people from different races and age groups.Childhood asthma is considered one of the main causes of increased healthcare expenditures,particularly in developing countries.Spirometry is the most essential and commonly used lung function test.It is used mainly for the evaluation of lung function to obtain reliable data used for the detection of lung diseases,such as asthma,as well as for monitoring lung health.The two spirometry parameters,peak expiratory flow rate(PEFR)and forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1),are effective in the diagnosis and management of patients with asthma.However,FEV1 is preferred as it is a more accurate parameter compared to PEFR for the evaluation and recognition of bronchoconstriction.In children with asthma,the most commonly used lung function parameter for asthma monitoring is FEV1.It was discovered that a decrease in FEV1 is associated with an increase in asthma severity.