To test use of jet nebulizers NE-C802 as a drug delivery system in the children with asthma

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airway characterized by recurrent episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or early in the morning. These episodes are usually associated with variable airflow obstruction within the lungs that is often reversible either spontaneously or with treatment. 

Methods: Two hundred patients were initially screened in the outpatient clinic, Department of the Pediatrics, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh .Out of the 200 patients, 30 were selected. Informed consent of one of their parents was obtained prior to enrolment into the study. Included patients were also be on daily Budesonide therapy for asthma control and Living in and around Chandigarh. The patients were then assessed every two weeks for symptomatic control of asthma and the participants and their parents were explained and demonstrated about the functioning of the nebulizers. PEFR, Height and Weight measurements were taken at every visit when nebulizer was used. Patients were assessed for improvement or deterioration of symptoms. The study was approved by Institute Ethics Commitee (PGI/IEC/2014/2337)

Results: Seventy percent patients/parents/guardians preferred using nebulizer for one of the following reasons: Better symptom control, Decreased frequency of exacerbations or Management of exacerbations can be done at home by increasing the duration of drug delivery through the nebulizer.

Thirty percent patients/parents/guardians preferred using spacer because they felt that their children could use a spacer easily as compared to nebulizer.

Conclusion- Thirty patients completed eight weeks of inhalation therapy with NE-C802 nebulizers. There were no significant deteriorations in symptoms during the therapy. NE-C802 nebulizer preferred over the use of spacer as a drug delivery system in control the symptoms of Asthma.