Inhaler Adherence in COPD: A Crucial Step Towards the Correct Treatment

Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis. 2023 Dec 4:18:2887-2893. doi: 10.2147/COPD.S431829. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

COPD is a typical example of chronic disease. As such, treatment adherence tends to be as low as between 30% and 50%, with specific issues in COPD due to the use of inhaled therapies. Decreased adherence in COPD is associated with worse outcomes, with increased risk for exacerbations and long-term mortality. Factors that impact adherence are multiple, some related to patient, some related to clinicians and finally some related to healthcare system. Among clinician factors, prescription of simplified treatment regimens delivered by an inhaler adapted to the patient's characteristics is crucial. Although it has been observed a huge improvement in the design and usability of inhaler devices for COPD in the last two centuries, there is still a clear gap in this field. Smart inhalers as well as simplified treatment regimens could improve adherence and therefore improve long-term outcomes in COPD.

Keywords: COPD; adherence; inhaled therapies; persistence; posology.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Inhalation
  • Bronchodilator Agents
  • Humans
  • Medication Adherence
  • Nebulizers and Vaporizers
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive* / drug therapy

Substances

  • Bronchodilator Agents

Grants and funding

This article was funded by GSK. GSK was not involved in the design and development of this manuscript.