European Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences

AEROSOLS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF ASTHMA AND COPD

Syeda Ayesha Farheen and *Hafsa Mubeen

ABSTRACT

Pharmaceutical aerosol is a pressurized system that depends on the power of a compressed or liquefied gas to expel the contents from the container. Therapeutic performance of pharmaceutical aerosols is affected by various factors such as actuator tube design, orifice diameter, concentration of surfactant in the system, moisture content. A pharmaceutical aerosol must satisfy certain standards to claim it to be a quality drug. The main standard for the quality of any drug is the intrinsic and extrinsic elements which contribute directly or indirectly to the safety, potency, efficacy, stability, patient acceptability and regulatory compliance of the products. Historically pharmaceutical aerosols have been employed for the treatment of obstructive airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) represents a socio-economic burden and requires regular and ongoing treatment. Inhalation therapy is recommended at all stages of the disease and allows the delivery of active molecules directly to the target site of action, whilst minimizing adverse side-effects. Inhalers therefore play a crucial role in the effective management of patients with COPD and Asthma and their choice is as important as that of the drug. Poor inhalation technique is associated with decreased treatment effectiveness. Choosing the optimal device, together with proper education, improves inhalation technique, adherence and outcomes or effectiveness but has to be performed regularly and rigorously, including visual checking of the patient‟s ability to use the inhaler.

Keywords: Tuberculosis, aerosols, inhaled vaccines, treatment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, inhaler, asthma, effectiveness, devices, health care providers, education.