Abstract
BACKGROUND: Activating pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) is often challenging for children. The Easy Squeezy (ES) is a novel sleeve attachment device that reduces activation force by 3 times. Although users have favored using the ES over using a pMDI alone, the clinical impact of the ES remains unknown. The aim of this study was to compare lung function and quality of life between ES users and users of a pMDI alone. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to measure and compare lung function of asthmatic children after they used the ES and pMDI alone. METHODS: In this crossover study we recruited 65 asthmatic children between the ages of 5 and 12 years. The participants were randomized into 2 groups. One of the groups used the ES for 6 weeks whereas the other group used a pMDI. After 6 weeks the participants crossed over to the other group. Lung function test parameters were measured after randomization and after each 6 weeks of device use. Quality of life (measured by the Patient Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire [PAQLQ]) and Childhood Asthma Control Test were measured after each period of device use. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline lung function between the groups. The ES group had a significantly lower percentage difference between prebronchodilator and postbronchodilator FEV(1) values. Although no significant differences were observed in PAQLQ scores between the groups, more patients in the ES group had improvement of their PAQLQ score than did patients in the group using a pMDI alone. Total Childhood Asthma Control Test scores were significantly higher for the ES group. CONCLUSIONS: The ES device may allow users' asthma to be better controlled than by using a pMDI alone.