Use of a portable device to record maximum inspiratory flow in relation to dyspnoea in patients with COPD

SummaryForced inspiratory measures have been described to reflect the reduction in dyspnoea upon bronchodilation in severe COPD. Based on this we evaluated the applicability and usefulness of a portable device for the assessment of forced inspiration. In 37 patients with COPD (GOLD II/II/IV n = 16/15/6, mean ± SD FEV1 46.2 ± 15.4%pred) lung function was recorded prior to inhalation of 24 μg formoterol and 30 min later. Assessments comprised spirometry including forced inspiration, body plethysmography, maximum inspiratory flow (InCheck, Clement Clarke), and changes in dyspnoea via visual analogue scale (VAS). The sequence was repeated on a second day to assess reproducibility. Bronchodilati…