A Randomized Trial Comparing Metered Dose Inhalers and Breath Actuated Nebulizers

A metered dose inhaler (MDI) is a small hand held pressurized canister device that contains both a medication, in this case albuterol, and a propellant. Pressing the device delivers 90mcg of albuterol. The MDI is attached to a spacer device, which is a one way holding chamber which allows the medication to be delivered over a series of breaths.

The breath actuated nebulizer (BAN) device is a device that converts liquid medication, in this case albuterol, into an aerosol. It consists of a mouthpiece, a medication reservoir, and connective tubing that attaches to a compressor. This BAN device delivers medication when the patient takes a breath, but it can be attached to a mask and set to continuous nebulization for patients that are not able to coordinate their breaths.