Long-term effects of a tube extension on bronchodilator treatment with pressurized aerosol.

The long-term effects of a tube extension to the terbutaline sulphate aerosol were studied in 23 patients. The trial was of open, randomised, cross-over design, and compared the ordinary actuator with the tube extension over two 3-week periods. Lung function before and after bronchodilator was measured at the start of the trial, at the treatment cross-over and at the end of the trial. The mean baseline FEV1 value obtained following 3 weeks of treatment with the tube extension was significantly greater (P less than 0.05) than that following treatment with the ordinary actuator. Treatment with the latter, however, produced significantly greater FEV1 values than at the start of the trial (P less than 0.05). At home, the patients recorded symptoms daily, as well as PEF each morning and evening. With the tube extension, the increase in PEF was significantly larger (P less than 0.05) than with the ordinary actuator. There were no differences with regard to symptom score.