To Study the Use of Nebulization 3% Hypertonic Saline in the Treatment of Bronchiolitis: A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Infants and young children frequently visit the hospital due to a respiratory infection known as bronchiolitis. However, the efficacy of nebulised hypertonic saline as a therapy option is still debatable. The study intends to explore the influence of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on a group of children with bronchiolitis.

Methods: In a retrospective study, we compared the outcomes of 200 patients with bronchiolitis treated with nebulised hypertonic saline to those of a control group. Key results were analysed, including hospital stay duration, the need for supplemental oxygen, ICU admission rates, mechanical ventilation requirements, and clinical improvement. Comparisons between the two groups were analysed statistically.

Results: children with paediatric bronchiolitis who were treated with nebulised hypertonic saline fared better than those in the control group, according to our study of 200 such children. Patients who received nebulised hypertonic saline spent less time in the hospital overall (3.8 days versus 4.5 days), had less oxygen (30 per cent versus 40 per cent), were admitted to the intensive care unit less frequently (10 per cent versus 15 per cent), and needed less mechanical ventilation (five per cent versus 12 per cent). Clinical improvement occurred in 70% of patients treated with nebulised hypertonic saline within 48 hours, compared to 60% of patients treated with a placebo. These results were statistically significant (p 0.05). These findings support the hypothesis that nebulised hypertonic saline therapy for bronchiolitis may enhance clinical outcomes and decrease the requirement for intensive care measures.

Conclusion: The results raise the possibility that nebulised hypertonic saline is a useful supplementary therapy in managing bronchiolitis, leading to enhanced patient care and more efficient use of available resources. However, further study is necessary to validate these results and modify treatment guidelines for bronchiolitis.