Assessment of the ability of young children to use a powder inhaler device (Turbuhaler).

The purpose of the study was to determine the age at which young asthmatic children could master the use of a new powder inhaler device (Turbuhaler). We studied 59 children with asthma between the ages of 3 and 6 years who consecutively attended the asthma clinic of the pediatric department. Efficiency of inhalation and the pharmacological effect of the terbutaline in the inhaler were measured by scores for inhalation technique and clinical response. None of the 3-year-old children used the device efficiently, but 43% of the 4-year-old, 67% of the 5-year-old, and 80% of the 6-year-old children used the inhaler correctly. Although inhaler technique was not perfect in the younger age group, 50% of the 3-year-old children demonstrated clinical improvement of asthma symptoms after inhalation. In the older age groups, 79%, 92%, and 100% of the 4, 5, and 6-year-old children demonstrated clinical improvement of asthma symptoms after inhalation. It is concluded that the new mode of dry powder delivery system (Bricanyl Turbuhaler) can be used in young asthmatic children who are 4 years of age and above.