[Aerosol therapy in childhood asthma]

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this review are to present research data about aerosoltherapy and to discuss the optimization of this form of drug administration.
METHOD: Review of the literature, covering some of the most important studies about aerosoltherapy, inhaler devices, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of inhaled drugs.
RESULTS: Factors that influence deposition pattern and pharmacokinetics of inhaled drugs are discussed, as well as how they can affect clinical efficacy. Positive and negative features of inhaler devices are compared; an attempt to establish dose equivalency of drug delivered by different devices is made.
CONCLUSIONS: Different inhaler devices and different inhaling techniques produce different drug deposition patterns and clinical effects. So, those who deal with aerosoltherapy, including patients, must be well aware of all those issues, in order to achieve the best results.