ABSTRACT
Background: An observational, prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in Hyderabad, T.S., India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical use of nebulization therapy and antibiotics in in-patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Subject and Methods: A total of 115 patients from the In-patient Department of General Medicine in Osmania General Hospital, who were prescribed nebulizers and antibiotics and those who fulfilled the exclusion and inclusion criteria were selected for the study which was conducted for 6 months. Information significant to the study was collected from the case records and discussions conducted with the in-patients and bystanders during ward rounds. Daily follow-ups were conducted to assemble data in therapy, add-on therapy and clinical improvement.
Results: The mean age was 59 years and the standard deviation was 11 years. Of the population, 77% were smokers and 51% were alcoholics. The most commonly used Bronchodilator is Deriphylline with a percentage of 78.10% and Antibiotic Monocef with a percentage of 72%. The most commonly used formulation is Orals with a percentage of 44.80%. A population of 43.50% of patients resulted with A grade severity index which represents low risk and low symptoms. 85% of individuals responded positively after the nebulization therapy with Oxygen therapy provided to them, as their SpO2 levels with O2 therapy changed into the normal range. There was a significant difference between the SpO2 with O2 percentages and SpO2 without O2 percentages (α= 0.05).
Conclusion: Nebulization therapy had more clinical improvement when compared to Inhalation therapy as the Nebulizers require less intensive training for COPD patients. Antibiotics added to the treatment decreased the frequency of exacerbations.
Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Nebulization, Antibiotics.