[Effect of salbutamol administered directly by a nebulizer or by means of a spacer on bronchodilation].

During three successive days in 14 patients with bronchial asthma after application of Salbutamol directly from the metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or indirectly by spacer the changes of FEF and FEV1 were measured. For inhalation through spacer the double blind crossover trial with placebo was used. Out of 12 patients three of them responded with better flows (FEV1, FEF) after inhalation via MDI. In 7 of them there were no significant differences between ways of application while in two of them the flows by spacer were significantly better. Tachypnea, low lung volumes as well as poor co-operation of the patient, especially elderly, should speak in favour of the use of spacer. However, in young, co-operative asthmatic patients the MDI is suitable. Further controlled studies of new applications of inhalation therapy should be studied.