Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Versus Intermittent Nebulization of Salbutamol in Acute Severe Asthma in Children Under 12 Years of Age

Efficacy and Safety of Continuous Versus Intermittent Nebulization of Salbutamol in Acute Severe Asthma in Children Under 12 Years of Age

Asthma affects around 260 million people globally, causing around 0.5 million deaths annually. Pediatric asthma remains a major global public health challenge, significantly affecting the quality of life for many children. Therefore, this study was planned to compare the effects of continuous versus intermittent nebulization of salbutamol in the treatment of acute severe asthma (ASA) in children visiting the emergency department of a tertiary childcare hospital in South Punjab, Pakistan.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children of either gender
• Aged 2 to 12 years
• Diagnosed with moderate exacerbation of acute asthma according to British Guidelines on the Management of Asthma, with a clinical asthma score of 8 or more

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children who were prescribed with other first-line therapy, such as adrenaline or 3% NaCl nebulization
• Presented at imminent risk of respiratory arrest
• Congenital heart disease
• Chronic respiratory disease
• Neurological disorders
• Children referred from any other hospital with no data available on emergency treatment