The diagrams and instructions presented here illustrate the use of various currently available inhaler and spacer devices. These instructions can be viewed, printed, and downloaded for use in patient education.
Health care workers should demonstrate the use of any device prescribed to patients, and should have the patient demonstrate back to the health care worker.
Health care workers should also check the status of approval and indications in their country for use of the medications delivered by the various devices.*
The inhaler instructions below may differ somewhat from those provided with the products; the full instructions should be consulted when using them.
*Not all devices are available in all areas, and new devices in addition to the ones included here are constantly becoming available. If you have information about an approved device that is not included here, please contact us.
GOLD would like to acknowledge the National Asthma Respiratory and Training Center (NARTC), UK, which provided many of the illustrations included here.
Click here to download a document containing all of the inhaler and spacer diagrams. Click on the links below to view, download, and print information about individual devices.
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Thursday, August 26, 2010
Spirometry Quick Guide
Assessment of airway obstruction plays a key role in the diagnosis and assessment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The spirometric criterion required for a diagnosis of COPD is an FEV1/FVC ratio below 0.7 after bronchodilator.
How to perform spirometry: Explain the purpose of the test and describe it clearly to the patient. It may help to demonstrate or mimic the procedure yourself . Emphasize the need to take a full breath and blow out as fast and hard as possible. Record the patient’s age, sex, and height, and time of last bronchodilator use.
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How to perform spirometry: Explain the purpose of the test and describe it clearly to the patient. It may help to demonstrate or mimic the procedure yourself . Emphasize the need to take a full breath and blow out as fast and hard as possible. Record the patient’s age, sex, and height, and time of last bronchodilator use.
read more »
GOLD Spirometry Guide
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease (COPD) is a clinical diagnosis that should be based on carefully history taking, the presence of symptoms and assessment of airway obstruction (also called airflow limitation). The GOLD international COPD guidelines1, as well as national guidelines2, advise spirometry as the gold standard for accurate and repeatable measurement of lung function. Evidence is emerging that when spirometry confirms a COPD diagnosis, doctors initiate more appropriate treatment. Spirometry is also helpful in making a diagnosis in patients with breathlessness and other respiratory symptoms and for screening in occupational environments.
Although the use of spirometers in primary care is increasing, in some countries uptake is still low. In those countries where spirometry is in more common usage, there are major concerns regarding the technical ability of operators to perform the test and interpret its results. Many primary care physicians , nurses, and other health care providers have had little formal training in spirometry. More accredited courses are appearing but these are often time consuming and fairly expensive. Many clinicians feel apprehensive about purchasing a spirometer because of uncertainties about performing and interpreting spirometry. Epidemiologic studies confirm that both late diagnosis and under-diagnosis of COPD are common—problems that wider use of spirometry could help to address.
read more »
Although the use of spirometers in primary care is increasing, in some countries uptake is still low. In those countries where spirometry is in more common usage, there are major concerns regarding the technical ability of operators to perform the test and interpret its results. Many primary care physicians , nurses, and other health care providers have had little formal training in spirometry. More accredited courses are appearing but these are often time consuming and fairly expensive. Many clinicians feel apprehensive about purchasing a spirometer because of uncertainties about performing and interpreting spirometry. Epidemiologic studies confirm that both late diagnosis and under-diagnosis of COPD are common—problems that wider use of spirometry could help to address.
read more »
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