Prospective evAluatIon foR Inhalation Devices Study
Prospective evAluatIon foR Inhalation Devices Study
ASTHMA:

 Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways in which many different types of
 cells, and various cellular components. The chronic inflammation causes an increase of the
 over-responsiveness of the airways, which leads to recurrent episodes of wheezing,
 breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning
 hours. These episodes, usually associated with widespread but variable block the airway,
 which is usually reversible either spontaneously or by treatment.

 Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, posing significant social burden
 in both children and adults. It is estimated that about 300 million people currently suffer
 from asthma. The incidence of asthma is universal regardless of the level of development of
 the country. There is evidence that over the last 20 years the prevalence has increased
 significantly, specially in pediatric populations.

 COPD:

 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a major public health problem. It is the
 fourth leading cause of chronic morbidity and mortality in the United States after heart
 disease, strokes and acute respiratory infections, while on an annual basis, the disease robs
 the lives of more than 3,000,000 people around us worldwide. The most worrying is that the
 impact has been steadily rising, and this dramatic increase in the frequency shows that by
 2020 the disease will be the third leading cause of death. In Greece, 8.4% of the population
 suffers from COPD.

 Smoking is the leading cause of COPD. However, not all smokers develop the clinical picture
 of COPD, suggesting that additional factors are involved in manifestation. Further
 investigation of risk factors for COPD, methods of reducing exposure to these agents and the
 molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis remain a major area of
 research to develop effective treatments that will reduce or prevent the development the
 disease.
ASTHMA TREATMENT:

 As regards the pharmacological management of asthma, inhaled corticosteroids (eg budesonide,
 fluticasone and beclomethasone) underlying the maintenance therapy, while beta-2 agonists are
 the long-term preferred additional treatment. Other common medications are systemic
 corticosteroids, beta-2-agonist short duration (eg salbutamol) oral beta2-agonists,
 long-lasting, methylxanthines, converters leukotrienes, colors and anticholinergics.

 The main clinical advantages of transport and deposition of the drug directly to the lungs
 associated with the safety and efficacy: the side effects associated with the systemic
 circulation zero, while high concentrations of the active substance can be directly
 attributed to the points of action. Furthermore, the onset of action of inhaled beta2-agonist
 is faster that of oral beta-2 agonist and the therapeutic response is achieved faster.
 Finally, require lower doses of the drug, due to the efficiency of this direct lungs,
 reducing the problems of poor absorption and metabolism by the liver.

 COPD TREATMENT:

 Effective management of COPD involves four steps: (1) assessment and monitoring of the
 disease, (2) minimize the risk factors, (3) stabilization of disease, and (4) the treatment
 of an exacerbation.

 ELPENHALER:

 A new multi-single dose inhaled dry powder (Elpenhaler ®) has been designed, developed and
 patented by the Elpen Pharmaceutical Co. Inc (Pikermi, Greece). The new inhaler is suitable
 for the performance of a range of drugs for asthma, such as budesonide, formoterol and
 fluticasone.

 OTHER TREATMENT APPROACHES:

 Most asthma medications are administered in the form of inhalers. There are various forms of
 devices that facilitate the administration of inhaled medications in young children. The
 correct use of inhalers drugs is very important for the treatment of asthma. If the patient
 does not understand the correct instructions, the drug is deposited satisfactorily lungs, ie
 organ must act, so there is no remission. Furthermore when the inhalers incorrectly used much
 of the drug remains in the oral cavity and the pharynx and therefore the patient is exposed
 to any adverse events drug while not treated properly asthma. Appropriate for patient inhaler
 should be chosen by the attending physician, after confirmation by pilot demonstration site
 at the clinic, the patient (depending on age) have understood and can apply the device user.
 A new study conducted by the Center for Capital allergies and respiratory diseases showed
 that 25% of asthmatic subjects reported that the inhaler was empty during an asthma attack.
 The reason: "There is no way for someone to see how much medicine has used the inhaler
 continues to blow air even when it is empty," says Bradley Chips, who was lead author of the
 study. To save your breath, look at the package leaflet number of inhaled doses contain.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients (newly diagnosed or not) with asthma and / or COPD, who use correctly
 (according to the opinion of the responsible investigator) their device

 -  Male or female patients aged 18 years

 -  Patients with compliance to treatment

 -  Patients with compliance to the study procedures

 -  Patients who have signed the study participation consent form.

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients who use incorrectly their inhalational devices

 -  Male or female patients under 18 years

 -  Patients who are non-compliant to their treatment for asthma and COPD

 -  Patients who are non-compliant to study procedures

 -  Patients who have not signed the study participation consent form.