IMPROVEMENT IN EXPIRATORY FLOWRATE IN ASTHMATICS NEBULIZED IN SITTING VS LYING DOWN-POSITION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchospasm. Objectives: The main objective of the study is to find the improvement in expiratory flowrate in asthmatics nebulized in sitting vs lying down-position. Methods: This comparative study was conducted at CMH, Lahore during May 2023 to May 2024 and data were collected from 245 patients. Each participant received a standardized dose of a bronchodilator via a nebulizer. In the sitting position group, patients were instructed to sit upright in a comfortable chair with back support. In the lying down position group, patients were instructed to lie supine on a flat surface. Both groups received the nebulized medication for the same duration, and all procedures were conducted in a controlled clinical environment. Results: Data were collected from 245 patients. The average age was similar between the two groups (45.09 ± 12.12 years for sitting and 44.87 ± 11.09 years for lying down). The gender distribution was nearly equal, with a slightly higher number of females in both groups. Baseline FEV1 values were 1.85 ± 0.35 L for the sitting group and 1.88 ± 0.37 L for the lying down group, while baseline PEFR values were 300 ± 45 L/min and 310 ± 48 L/min, respectively. The study found that the mean change in PEFR was significantly greater in the sitting position group (+60 ± 15 L/min) compared to the lying down position group (+30 ± 12 L/min), with a difference of +30 L/min (95% CI: 18 to 42, p < 0.001). Conclusion: It is concluded that nebulizing asthmatic patients in a sitting position significantly improves expiratory flow rates compared to a lying down position.