PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - S. P. Newman TI - Inhaler treatment options in COPD AID - 10.1183/09059180.05.00009605 DP - 2005 Dec 01 TA - European Respiratory Review PG - 102--108 VI - 14 IP - 96 4099 - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/14/96/102.short 4100 - http://err.ersjournals.com/content/14/96/102.full SO - EUROPEAN RESPIRATORY REVIEW2005 Dec 01; 14 AB - A variety of inhaler devices are available for delivering treatments to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and new inhalers are currently being developed. Each type of device has advantages and disadvantages, and the methods of preparation and use vary between them. The differences in instructions for use can easily confuse patients and health providers alike, resulting in incorrect use of many inhalers. “Crucial” errors in inhaler technique, whereby no drug is deposited in the lungs, must be avoided. Any type of inhaler can be misused so that little or no drug is deposited in the lungs. It is now increasingly widely recognised that a successful treatment outcome in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease depends as much on the inhaler device as it does on the drug. Inhaler choice in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease should take into account whether the patient is likely to use it correctly, as well as patient preference and the likelihood of adherence to treatment.