Prospective evAluatIon foR Inhalation Devices Study

ASTHMA:

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many different types of cells, and various cellular components. The chronic inflammation causes an increase of the over-responsiveness of the airways, which leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning hours. These episodes, usually associated with widespread but variable block the airway, which is usually reversible either spontaneously or by treatment.

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, posing significant social burden in both children and adults. It is estimated that about 300 million people currently suffer from asthma. The incidence of asthma is universal regardless of the level of development of the country. There is evidence that over the last 20 years the prevalence has increased significantly, specially in pediatric populations.

COPD:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. It is the fourth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the United States after heart disease, strokes and acute respiratory infections, while on an annual basis, the disease robs the lives of more than 3,000,000 people around us worldwide. The most worrying is that the impact has been steadily rising, and this dramatic increase in the frequency shows that by 2020 the disease will be the third leading cause of death. In Greece, 8.4% of the population suffers from COPD.

Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. However, not all smokers develop the clinical picture of COPD, suggesting that additional factors are involved in manifestation. Further investigation of risk factors for COPD, methods of reducing exposure to these agents and the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis remain a major area of research to develop effective treatments that will reduce or prevent the development the disease.

ASTHMA TREATMENT:

As regards the pharmacological management of asthma, inhaled corticosteroids (eg budesonide, fluticasone and beclomethasone) underlying the maintenance therapy, while beta-2 agonists are the long-term preferred additional treatment. Other common medications are systemic corticosteroids, beta-2-agonist short duration (eg salbutamol) oral beta2-agonists, long-lasting, methylxanthines, converters leukotrienes, colors and anticholinergics.

The main clinical advantages of transport and deposition of the drug directly to the lungs associated with the safety and efficacy: the side effects associated with the systemic circulation zero, while high concentrations of the active substance can be directly attributed to the points of action. Furthermore, the onset of action of inhaled beta2-agonist is faster that of oral beta-2 agonist and the therapeutic response is achieved faster. Finally, require lower doses of the drug, due to the efficiency of this direct lungs, reducing the problems of poor absorption and metabolism by the liver.

COPD TREATMENT:

Effective management of COPD involves four steps: (1) assessment and monitoring of the disease, (2) minimize the risk factors, (3) stabilization of disease, and (4) the treatment of an exacerbation.

ELPENHALER:

A new multi-single dose inhaled dry powder (Elpenhaler ®) has been designed, developed and patented by the Elpen Pharmaceutical Co. Inc (Pikermi, Greece). The new inhaler is suitable for the performance of a range of drugs for asthma, such as budesonide, formoterol and fluticasone.

OTHER TREATMENT APPROACHES:

Most asthma medications are administered in the form of inhalers. There are various forms of devices that facilitate the administration of inhaled medications in young children. The correct use of inhalers drugs is very important for the treatment of asthma. If the patient does not understand the correct instructions, the drug is deposited satisfactorily lungs, ie organ must act, so there is no remission. Furthermore when the inhalers incorrectly used much of the drug remains in the oral cavity and the pharynx and therefore the patient is exposed to any adverse events drug while not treated properly asthma. Appropriate for patient inhaler should be chosen by the attending physician, after confirmation by pilot demonstration site at the clinic, the patient (depending on age) have understood and can apply the device user. A new study conducted by the Center for Capital allergies and respiratory diseases showed that 25% of asthmatic subjects reported that the inhaler was empty during an asthma attack. The reason: "There is no way for someone to see how much medicine has used the inhaler continues to blow air even when it is empty," says Bradley Chips, who was lead author of the study. To save your breath, look at the package leaflet number of inhaled doses contain.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients (newly diagnosed or not) with asthma and / or COPD, who use correctly (according to the opinion of the responsible investigator) their device
* Male or female patients aged 18 years
* Patients with compliance to treatment
* Patients with compliance to the study procedures
* Patients who have signed the study participation consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who use incorrectly their inhalational devices
* Male or female patients under 18 years
* Patients who are non-compliant to their treatment for asthma and COPD
* Patients who are non-compliant to study procedures
* Patients who have not signed the study participation consent form.