Atomization Inhalation of Terbutaline and Budesonide Efficiently Improved Immunity and Lung Function of AECOPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a syndrome of chronic progressive airflow limitation as a result of chronic inflammation of the airways and lung parenchyma. COPD patients always have airway hyperreactivity (AHR), so how to reduce AHR becomes the key purpose of clinical treatment. It is hypothesized that combined inhalation of corticosteroids and β2-agonists can reduce the AHR in COPD. In this study, atomization inhalation of budesonide and terbutaline plus conventional therapies was applied to treat AECOPD (acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients for two weeks. The results showed that additional inhalation of budesonide and terbutaline could upregulate serum IL-2 levels, the percentages of CD3+ T and CD4+ T cells, and CD4/CD8 ratio, and decrease eosinophils and serum CRP level more efficiently than conventional treatment in patients with AECOPD. And the lung function of the atomization inhalation group was improved more obviously after the treatment compared with the conventional treatment group. Thus, atomization inhalation of terbutaline and budesonide can control AECOPD effectively, and has wide clinical perspective in controlling and preventing the exacerbation of COPD. Cellular & Molecular Immunology. 2008;5(4):287-291