EFFECTIVENESS OF SINGLE DOSE ORAL DEXAMETHASONE VERSUS MULTIDOSE PREDNISOLONE FOR TREATMENT OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF ASTHMA AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN HOSPITAL, ISLAMABAD

EFFECTIVENESS OF SINGLE DOSE ORAL DEXAMETHASONE VERSUS MULTIDOSE PREDNISOLONE FOR TREATMENT OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF ASTHMA AMONG CHILDREN ATTENDING THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN HOSPITAL, ISLAMABAD

In this Study i'll compare the effectiveness of two drugs used in acute exacerbation of asthma by their sideffects, complaince and improvement in the PRAM score. The better one would be adapted in our clinical practice.

Inclusion Criteria:

• i.Ages 2 to 12years ii. Previous history of asthma as diagnosed by a physician. iii. Presentation with acute exacerbation of asthma with symptoms of cough, wheeze, dyspnoea and oxygen saturation of less than 95% and with PRAM score of more than or equal to 6

Exclusion Criteria:

• i.Critical or life-threatening asthma i.e. patient with silent chest, cyanosis, drowsy, unable to verbalize, marked tachycardia and respiratory distress. ii.Known TB exposure iii.Fever more than 39. 5°C iv.Use of corticosteroids in previous 4 weeks v.Significant co-morbid disease: lung, cardiac, immune, liver, endocrine, neurological or psychiatric