[Nebulization in acute asthma. Association of an atropine and a beta2-sympathomimetic]

Nebulization is a basic treatment for the management of severe acute asthma. Three mechanisms are involved in bronchial obstruction: bronchospasms, inflammation and an increase in bronchial secretions. Combination therapy including beta 2-sympatheticomimetic and synthetic atropinic drugs is strongly synergistic. In a French multicenter trial including 45 adult patients presenting with asthma, combination of nebulized Berotec and Atrovent was studied. It proved to be efficacious in two thirds of the patients. Results were even better for younger patients whose initial peak flow rate was high. Tolerance to this combination therapy was as good as that to beta 2-sympatheticomimetic monotherapy.