Comparison of 3 Methods to Assess Inhalation Technique

A significant percentage of patients with asthma and COPD do not use their inhalers properly. Experts recommend that in patients with obstructive lung diseases, inhalation technique and patient adherence should be evaluated at every visit. The assessment of inhalation skills depends on the method of evaluation. There are few different methods of assessment of inhalation technique, however none of them is recommended as the most accurate. Therefore, the aim of the study is: 1. to compare three different methods of assessment of inhalation technique in patients with asthma and COPD. These methods include: 1. Checklist of mistakes in inhalation technique (including critical mistakes) 2. 4 grade scale of inhalation technique 3. Assessment by Vitalograph®AIM (Aerosol Inhaling Monitor) 2. to analyze the influence of Vitalograph®AIM based inhalation technique training on inhalation skills One hundred and thirty patients with asthma or COPD, who use inhaled medication on a regular basis will be enrolled. Inhalation technique will be evaluated by two observers independently at the same time with all three methods (checklist, 4 grade scale, Vitalograph®AIM). To compare these methods, the investigators will analyze method reliability and validity. Additionally, inhalation technique will be evaluated 30 minutes after Vitalograph®AIM based training to analyze the potential benefit of its application in practicing inhalation skills.