The Effect of a Nebulized Bronchodilator Administered with or without Intermittent Positive Pressure Breathing on Ventilatory Function in Children with Cystic Fibrosis and Asthma1,2

Abstract

Comparative ventilatory function studies were made to assess bronchodilator effect in 17 children with cystic fibrosis and 15 children with bronchial asthma who had moderately severe airway obstruction. Isoproterenol (5 mg) administered by intermittent positive pressure breathing on inspiration was no more effective than isoproterenol administered by powered nebulizer. In addition, in children with asthma, 0.225 mg of isoproterenol sulfate given in divided doses over a period of 5 minutes produced an effect comparable to that of 5 mg of isoproterenol hydrochloride delivered by intermittent positive pressure or by nebulizer. Administration of isoproterenol by intermittent positive pressure produced no air trapping.