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While previous studies have shown no significant difference betweennebulizer and inhaler use, this study is important because it takes intoaccount real-life use by patients versus strictly controlled conditions thatdo not account for frequent, improper inhaler use. The main study finding isthat "the most effective regimen for managing COPD and improving patientquality of life appeared to be the combined use of a nebulizer in the morningand at night, and an inhaler in the afternoon and evening."
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"There are key advantages in COPD symptom relief that patients receivefrom nebulizer treatments due to the fact that more medication is delivered tothe lungs and it is easier for patients to use. Combined with the convenienceof metered dose inhalers during the day, we saw significant quality of lifeimprovements for patients," said Dr. Donald Tashkin, study author andProfessor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.
PARI Respiratory Equipment's breath enhanced nebulizer, the PARI LC PLUSand PRONEB Ultra compressor were used in Dr. Tashkin's study, "Comparing COPDTreatment: Nebulizer, Metered Dose Inhaler, and Concomitant Therapy," that waspublished in the May 2007 American Journal of Medicine.
"We chose the PARI LC PLUS, because it is the most frequently usedbreath-enhanced nebulizer in the United States," added Dr. Tashkin.
"We have long believed that nebulizer therapies offer distinct advantagesfor patients. In fact, most COPD patients prefer nebulizer therapy because itis easy to use with no special technique required," said Geoff A. Hunziker,President of PARI in the United States. "Our commitment to improving thelives of patients through technology is why the PARI LC PLUS and the PRONEBUltra are the most frequently used compressor-based nebulizer system for newnebulized medications in clinical development."
About COPD
COPD refers to a number of chronic lung disorders in which the airways tothe lungs become narrowed and breathing becomes increasingly difficult. Themost common forms of COPD are chronic obstructive bronchitis and emphysema,and many patients suffer from a combination of these two disease processes.
COPD is the fourth leading cause of death in America, behind heartdisease, cancer, and stroke. Twelve million Americans have been diagnosed withCOPD and at least another 12 million have symptoms but are not diagnosed.
Advancements Offered by Nebulization
Of the three types of devices used to deliver inhaled respiratorymedications -- nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers, and dry powder inhalers --nebulizers may offer the easiest method because they require no specialtechnique or coordination, as the liquid medication is converted into a finemist that patients inhale through a mouthpiece or face-mask while breathingnaturally. Since nebulization is an easy, effective, and thorough method ofdelivering medicine directly into the lungs, many COPD patients prefer it,particularly as they become increasingly frail due to disease progression.
About PARI Respiratory Equipment, Inc.
PARI is a leading worldwide developer and manufacturer of fast andefficient aerosol delivery systems for patients with asthma, chronic lungdisease, and cystic fibrosis. PA
