The use of nebulized salbutamol in patients with bronchospasm during anaesthesia: a clinical trial.

ABSTRACT

The 2.5 mg salbutamol in 2.5 ml normal saline (Ventolin nebules) was used in 22 patients with unexpected bronchospasm via a nebulizer connected to an inspired limb of an anaesthetic machine. Recording of cardiovascular effects, specific notes of breath sound according to symptom severity (clinical lung score), arterial blood gases and airway pressure, was made every 5 minutes up to 30 minutes. The PaCO2 decreased and a/A ratio appeared to increase (improved shunt effect) significantly. However, the cardiovascular effects showed no statistical significance. The airway pressure as well as the clinical lung score appeared to decrease significantly to normal limits 20 minutes after the therapy. We conclude that the use of nebulized beta 2 selective bronchodilator is suitable in the treatment of unexpected bronchospasm without any cardiovascular disturbances.