Bronchodilator effect of terbutaline aerosol in asthmatic: comparison of two spacer devices.

ABSTRACT

The degree of bronchodilation achieved with aerosolised bronchodilators may partly depend on correct usage of a particular inhaler device. The effect of two puffs of 0.25 mg each of terbutaline aerosol using either of two spacer devices--a tube spacer and conical spacer with inhalation valve (Nebuhaler)--in a randomised manner were compared in 20 patients with bronchial asthma. All participants (11 male, 9 female) aged 16 to 50 years had clinically stable baseline airway obstruction responsive to bronchodilators. The maximum per cent increase of PEFR and FEV1 were significantly higher after inhalation via Nebuhaler than tube spacer (44.93 +/- 21.15% vs 26.67 +/- 13.17%; 74.0 +/- 17.87 vs 47.65 +/- 15.74% respectively, p less than 0.01). The increase noted at each time interval was significantly higher and more sustained with Nebuhaler. In terms of bronchodilator effect Nebuhaler had definite advantage over tube spacer in our study. There were no significant changes in pulse rate nor in blood pressure.