Effect of salbutamol in infants with wheezy bronchitis

Abstract

Using the technique of whole body plethysmography, lung mechanics were measured in a group of infants with wheezy bronchitis. Compared with a group of normal infants previously studied, airway resistance and thoracic gas volume were found to be raised. Nebulized salbutamol was then administered and measurements were repeated when it was found that there was no objective improvement. It is concluded that salbutamol may not be an effective form of treatment of wheezy bronchitis in young infants and the reasons for this are discussed.