Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Randomized trial of spacers in asthma
Baljit Dahiya1, Joseph L Mathew, Meenu Singh
1Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India. meenusingh4@rediffmail.com.
Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|August 19, 2007
Summary
In children with asthma, all commonly available spacers in India demonstrated equal effectiveness in delivering bronchodilators. This study found no significant difference in efficacy among various spacer types for improving lung function in pediatric asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease in children.
- Effective delivery of bronchodilators is crucial for managing asthma exacerbations.
- Spacers are essential devices for optimizing inhaled medication delivery in pediatric patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate and compare the efficacy of various types of spacers commonly available in India for bronchodilator delivery in children with persistent asthma.
Main Methods:
- A randomized study involving 150 children (5-14 years) with persistent asthma and peak expiratory flow (PEF) < 70% of personal best.
- Participants received salbutamol via one of five different spacers (valved and non-valved, varying volumes, including indigenous options).
- Lung function was assessed by measuring PEF and spirometry (FEV1 for children >8 years) before and 15 minutes after medication administration.
Main Results:
- All tested spacers resulted in significant improvements in PEF and FEV1 over baseline values.
- No statistically significant differences were observed in the absolute change or percentage improvement of PEF and FEV1 among the five spacer groups.
- Spacer efficacy remained consistent regardless of the severity of baseline airway obstruction.
Conclusions:
- The study concludes that all five types of spacers evaluated are equally effective for delivering bronchodilators in children experiencing moderate persistent asthma with airway obstruction.
- This finding supports the use of various available spacers, including indigenous options, for effective asthma management in pediatric populations in India.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:13Randomized Experiments
The randomization process involves assigning study participants randomly to experimental or control groups based on their probability of being equally assigned. Randomization is meant to eliminate selection bias and balance known and unknown confounding factors so that the control group is similar to the treatment group as much as possible. A computer program and a random number generator can be used to assign participants to groups in a way that minimizes bias.
Simple randomization
Simple...
Simple randomization
Simple...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...