Comparison of the Efficacy of Budesonide Nebulizer Suspension and Budesonide Inhalation Suspension in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Inhaled corticosteroids have been successfully used to improve lung function. Budesonide nebulizer suspension and Budesonide inhalation suspension are two inhaled corticosteroids used in treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). We compared the efficacy of Budesonide nebulizer suspension and Budesonide inhalation suspension in the treatment of patients with acute exacerbations of COPD, to prioritize the two treatments. Materials and Methods: In our study, 90 patients were recruited and divided randomly into two groups: Budesonide nebulizer suspension (Pulmicort Nebulizer) and Budesonide inhalation suspension (Pulmicort Turbuhaler) groups. Demographic characteristics, patient clinical information, and paraclinical data including arterial blood gases (ABG) and O2 Saturation were recorded both at the beginning of hospitalization and on the seventh day of treatment. The collected data were analyzed through independent sample t-test, paired sample t-test, chi-square test, and linear regression using SPSS version 20. Results: Our findings revealed that there were no significant differences in O2SAT or ABG between the two groups at baseline or after seven days of treatment (P > 0.05). After seven days of treatment, mean O2SAT and arterial blood gases had increased significantly in each group (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study found no significant difference between the two groups with respect to the method of treatment. Therefore, Turbuhaler can be used at home by patients so, it leads to elimination of costs and hospital stays.