Asthma and COPD – the role of nurses in good adherence to inhaler therapy
Information for nursing staff, 2026, 58(1), 60-64.
V. Pencheva1, D. Genov2
1Pulmonary Department, Clinic of Propedeutics of Internal Diseases, UMHAT “Alexandrovska”, Medical Faculty, Medical University – Sofia
2Clinic of Nephrology, UMHAT “Sveti Ivan Rilski”, Medical Faculty, Medical University – Sofia
Abstract. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are chronic bronchoobstructive diseases, which have great social significance and health-economic burden. Good adherence to prescribed inhaler therapy is of fundamental importance for good control of their symptoms and prevention of exacerbations. The aim of the conducted literature review is to outline the role of nurses in good adherence to inhaler therapy in asthma and COPD. Nurses have the most frequent and prolonged contact with patients, training them to work with inhaler devices, assessing adherence to therapy and its monitoring, providing psychological support and motivating patients to adhere to therapy. Strengthening the role of nurses in the multidisciplinary team involved in respiratory care can lead to improved adherence, better disease control and quality of life of patients with asthma and COPD.
Key words: asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, nurses, adherence, inhaler therapy
Address for correspondence: Prof. Dr. V. Pencheva, DM, e-mail: pencheva.bg@abv.bg