Education With Inhalers in Patients With COPD Exacerbation

The importance of this pathology lies not only in its high prevalence, which is expected to increase due to the aging of society but also in its high mortality. In Europe, it is estimated that 50% of adult patients do not use the inhaler correctly. The clinical development of COPD includes periods of stability interspersed with symptomatic exacerbations, which usually involve hospitalization. During these hospitalizations, respiratory symptoms are worsening.Nevertheless, in Europe, it is estimated that 50% of adult patients do not use the inhaler correctly. Thus, it is very important the pharmacological education in this patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Inclusion criteria were to be clinically diagnosed of exacerbation of COPD, to possess pharmacological treatment in the form of inhalers. Exclusion Criteria: * Exclusion criteria were inability to provide informed consent, presence of psychiatric or cognitive disorders, neurological disorders, organ failure, cancer or inability to cooperate. Patients who had experienced an exacerbation of prior COPD in less than one month were excluded.