Kawamatawong T, et al. – The peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR) of the older (aged >60 years) and the younger (aged ≤60 years) patients with obstructive airway diseases was explored for the different inhaler devices (Turbuhaler and Accuhaler). As compared to the younger patients, lower PIFR generated from Turbuhaler was noted in patients with airway diseases who were older than 60 years.

Methods

• Researchers performed a cross-sectional study from January to December 2014.
• They enrolled patients with obstructive airway diseases.
• They regulated spirometry.
• An In-Check DIAL device was used to estimate PIFR.
• They acquired individual PIFR values for each inhaler device for three consecutive measurements and then averaged.

Results

• This study incorporated a total of 139 patients diagnosed with obstructive lung diseases (asthma, n = 109; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, n = 30).
• 71 (51%) were >60 years, among these patients.
• No difference was found between the PIFR generated by the patients who were ≤60 years for nonresistance mode and that generated by those aged >60 years (115.0 ± 15.2 L/min vs 115.4 ± 13.3 L/ min, p = 0.86).
• PIFR generated from the older group was significantly lower than that generated from the younger group for Turbuhaler (72.5 ± 18.8 L/min vs 82.4 ± 21.1 L/min, p = 0.01), but the PIFR generated was not significantly different between the older and the younger groups for the e (93.8 ± 22.9 L/min vs 99.4 ± 24.2 L/min, p = 0.86) with respect to the DPI.
• By using In-Check DIAL, the low peak expiratory flow rate and PIFR from spirometry were associated with the suboptimal PIFR measured.