A Randomized Control Trial of Treatment of Bronchial Asthma with Inhaled Salbutamol Combined with Pursed Lip Breathing

Purpose of the study: To compare immediate and sustained effect of Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB) and Inhaled Salbutamol with Salbutamol alone on Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ) in Controlled Asthmatics. Methodology: 60 Asthmatics (30 in interventional group, 30 in control group) were selected for the randomized control trial. On the first day, Pre PEFR was measured and four puffs of Salbutamol were administered using Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) and Spacer device in both the groups. For 20 minutes, Interventional group was instructed to perform PLB and post PEFR was measured in both the groups. For 1 week, interventional group performed PLB and entire procedure performed on day 1 was repeated. ACQ scores were calculated on day 1 and day 8 in both the groups. Results: The mean increase in PEFR after treatment with Salbutamol and PLB was greater than Salbutalmol alone on day 1 and 8. The Pre PEFR value on Day 8 significantly increased compared to day 1 in the interventional group whereas Control group did not have improvement in Pre PEFR value. ACQ score significantly improved on day 8 in both the groups however on comparing improvement in both the groups, interventional group had a more significant improvement in the score. On comparing improvement in Pre and Post PEFR on day1 and Day 8, it did not differ significantly in individual groups. Conclusion: Performing PLB following inhalation of Salbutamol enhances bronchodilation in Asthmatics. Also PLB has a sustained bronchodilatory effect and resulted in a better control of symptoms of Asthma.