Original Title: Las cámaras de inhalación en el tratatamiento del asma infantil

Authors' objectives: Analyse the scientific evidence concerning the therapeutic effectiveness of different types of aerosoltherapy in children with asthma and in particular, space chambers, both in long-term treatment (chronic, long-term or disease modifier) and in emergency treatment (severe, symptomatic) in children of different ages. Determine the prescription and use of inhalation chambers in asthmatic children in the Autonomous Basque Community, as well as the causes that explain their use.

Authors' results and conclusions: In the light of the scientific evidence, the following conclusions may be drawn: - The use of inhalation chambers together with a pressurised aerosol is on way of administerin inhaled drugs which has been seen to be efficient in the treatment of children with infantile asthma. - Compared with the use of inhalers, the use of inhalation chambers together with a pressurised aerosol is an effective method in the treatment of asthmatic crises with beta adrenergics and which in general are preferable to inhalers due to their ease of use and cost. - There is no reliable scientific evidence to draw the conclusion that the administration of drugs inhaled by means of inhalation chambers together with a pressurised aerosol is a more or less clinically efficient method than the administration of these drugs by means of a pressurised aerosol alone or by means of dry powder dispensing devices. - There is no reliable scientific evidenct to be able to conclude that one specific model of chamber is more effective than another. - No reliable scientific evidence has been found to determine whether chambers of a size under 750 ml are more effective than the larger ones in young children.

Authors' methods: Systematic revision of the evidence. Survey among paediatricians in the Autonomous Basque Community. Analysis of the prescription of inhalation chambers.

Project Status: Completed

Year Published: 2001

URL for published report: https://www.euskadi.eus/contenidos/informacion/2001_osteba_publicacion/es_def/adjuntos/2001/d_01-03_camaras_inhalacion.pdf

English language abstract: An English language summary is available

Publication Type: Not Assigned

Country: Spain

Organisation Name: Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment

Contact Address: C/ Donostia – San Sebastián, 1 (Edificio Lakua II, 4ª planta) 01010 Vitoria - Gasteiz

Contact Name: Lorea Galnares-Cordero

Contact Email: lgalnares@bioef.eus

Copyright: <p>Basque Office for Health Technology Assessment, Health Department Basque Government (OSTEBA)</p>