Peak inspiratory flow rate and the ability to use the Turbuhaler in Thai children aged 3-7 years.

ABSTRACT

A Turbuhaler is a dry powder inhaler device commonly used by asthmatic patients. Its superiority over a metered-dose inhaler device includes easy technique, convenience in handling and absence of chloro fluoro carbon (CFC). However, the use of this device has some limitations in young children who may not be able to generate the inspiratory flow rate high enough to assure adequate medication delivery. Even though the Turbuhaler has been used in Thailand for many years, the study of inspiratory flow rate and the ability to use this device in Thai preschool children is lacking. In the present study, the authors aimed to evaluate the ability to use the Turbuhaler in Thai preschool children by measuring the peak inspiratory flow rate, peak inspiratory flow rate through the Turbuhaler as well as positive test of the Turbutester. Subjects included 468 Thai preschool children, aged 3-7 years old. They were assigned to perform the test with In-Check Dial, Mini-Wright Peak Flow Meter and Turbutester. The authors found that the ability to use the device correlated directly with age and children with age of 5 years or more could perform significantly better. Children weight of 20 kilograms or more, or a height of 113 centimeters or more were also able to generate adequate inspiratory flow rate for medication delivery. The authors concluded that children from the age of five years, or with a weight from 20 kilograms or a height from 113 centimeters were able to generate adequate inspiratory flow rate for effective medication delivery by the Turbuhaler.