Inhaler devices are the major method for delivery of asthma medication, but their effectiveness can be compromised if the patient uses the inhaler device incorrectly. The magnitude of this problem has been well documented; in several studies less than half of the patients used their inhaler correctly. Inhaler devices are used to deliver a variety of inhaled medications, including beta-agonists, anticholinergic, and glucocorticoids. Two main types of inhaler devices are available, the pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) and the dry powder inhaler (DPI).
A dry powder inhaler (DPI) is a breath-actuated device containing micronized drug particles with a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of less than 5 µm that are usually aggregated with carrier particles (such as lactose or glucose) of greater diameter. Drug is delivered to the airways by the inhalation of air over a punctured drug-containing capsule or blister.
In this study investigators will evaluate the use of DPI use in children during an acute asthma exacerbation. The investigators hypothesize the use of DPI in children ages 4-8 during an asthma exacerbation has limited benefit, as children are unable to generate the needed NIF. The investigators will study children who were hospitalized for an acute asthma exacerbation. Additionally, the investigators will evaluate the participant as an outpatient in the pulmonary clinic / office when the participant is without an asthma exacerbation.
