Childhood Asthma: Improved Efficacy of Pressurized Terbutaline Aerosol by Use of a 750-ml Spacer

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Abstract
A bronchodilator aerosol, terbutaline sulfate, was administered to 18 asthmatic children, mean age 8.0 yr (range 4.9-13.7 yr) in a cross-over trial using a common actuator or a 750-ml collapsible spacer. With the spacer, peak expiratory flow rate was significantly higher (P < 0.05) at 5, 20 and 60 min after administration of 0.25 mg terbutaline sulfate. The mean maximum value during this period was 92% of the predicted normal value with the spacer, compared to 86% with the common actuator. The difference was significant (P < 0.01). This study confirms previous findings that a 750-ml spacer is beneficial in bronchodilator aerosol therapy in children with asthma.