ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: Inhalational therapy is now one of the major method in managing asthma. Nebulizer is widely used at home nowadays, but there has been no survey on the usage of home nebulizer in Korea yet. This study was performed using questionnaires to evaluate that how the asthmatic patients use the personal nebulizer properly as an treatment tool for asthma. METHODS: Forty-six asthmatic children living in Chunlabukdo area in Korea who use the personoa nebulizer at home from October 1999 to March 2000 were enrolled. Personal history, purpose of personal nebulizer, understanding of the instruction to use were analyzed using questionnaires. RESULTS: 1) The sex ratio was not statistically significant (M : F ratio was 1.3 : 1) and the mean age was 3.7 years. 2) Thirty-seven cases (80.4%) purchased nebulizer by doctor's recommendation. 6 cases (13.1%) by personal need without doctor's recommendation and 3 cases (6.5%) by acquaintances' recommendation. 47.8% of patients purchased through small-scale suppliers. 32.6% purchased through hospital, and 19.6% through large nebulizer manufacturers. 3) Sixty-three percents of patients had an explanations about the basic instructions to use the nebulizer. Explanations on maintenance were given only in 19.6% of total and was mostly given through large nebulizer manufacturers. 4) Proper washing with sterilization took place in 54.3%, replacement of kits and air filters were done in only 15.2% of the total, but nobody was recommended annual check up. 5) There was no difference in the techniques of using nebulizers by the parents' level of knowledge about asthma. CONCLUSION: Many problems on the usage of personal home nebulizer in asthmatic children were revealed by this study. Education of patients on how to use and manage nebulizers is necessary when prescribe or sell the nebulizers.