A Randomized Trial Comparing Metered Dose Inhalers and Breath Actuated Nebulizers

Albuterol administered via metered dose inhalers with spacers are more effective than small volume nebulizers in the treatment of acute pediatric asthma exacerbations. There is also supporting data that the breath actuated nebulizers are also more effective than small volume nebulizers. The effectiveness of breath actuated nebulization compared to MDI for treating asthma exacerbations is less well defined.

Metered dose inhalers with spacers are more readily available to the general population, are easily transportable and do not require a power source. Demonstrating equal effectiveness of albuterol delivery systems for treatment of acute pediatric asthma exacerbations would enable physicians to confidently utilize clinical encounters as opportunities to educate families on management of asthma exacerbations using their home appliance.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients presenting either with a first time wheeze or with an asthma exacerbation of a mild to moderate severity, both defined by a pediatric asthma score (PAS)11 of 5 to 11.

Exclusion criteria

• Subjects were excluded if they had initiated therapy at an outlying medical facility or had a history of any chronic lung disease
• Congenital heart disease, tracheostomy, or were receiving diuretic therapy.
• Patients diagnosed by the treating physician with bronchiolitis or pneumonia were excluded along with children who were wards of the state or whose parents did not speak English.