• Patrick K Gleeson, Luzmercy Perez, A Russell Localio, Knashawn H Morales, Xiaoyan Han, Tyra Bryant-Stephens, and Andrea J Apter.
• Section of Allergy & Immunology, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, & Critical Care Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pa. Electronic address: Patrick.Gleeson@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
• J Allergy Clin Immunol Pract. 2019 Nov 1; 7 (8): 2683-2688.

BackgroundPoor inhaler technique has been shown to be associated with less asthma control and increased health care utilization. Little is known about the impact of inhaler technique on the most vulnerable patients.ObjectiveThis study examined inhaler technique in low-income, inner-city adults with uncontrolled asthma.MethodsInhaler technique data and other patient characteristics were evaluated in adults drawn from 2 studies conducted at the University of Pennsylvania. Subjects were from low-income Philadelphia neighborhoods and had uncontrolled asthma. Baseline characteristics were collected. Inhaler technique was rated by research coordinators who were trained with written materials.ResultsIn 584 adults, 56% of metered dose inhaler users and 64% of dry powder inhaler users had adequate visually assessed inhaler technique. Inhaler technique did not vary by reading comprehension or numeracy levels.ConclusionsIn this group of patients with uncontrolled asthma, visually assessed inhaler technique was adequate in more than one-half. Although incorrect inhaler technique is generally common and must be routinely addressed, this study suggests that other factors that lead to poor control must be identified.Copyright © 2019 American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

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