The importance of inhalation of beta 2 sympathomimetic drugs in the home care treatment of asthma in children.

In order to improve the care of asthma attacks in children and to reduce hospitalization, 50 patients and their parents were taught a home program using beta 2 sympathomimetic drugs administered by aerosol inhaler. The parents obtained recordings of respiratory rate and pulmonary flow meter. A control group of 50 patients received only slow-release theophylline. Inhalation therapy improved the respiration recorded by reduced respiratory rate and pulmonary flow meter while visits to the emergency department and hospital admissions were reduced by 60%. Absence from school was also reduced by 60%. Benefits to the patient and to cost containment have been achieved by home care treatment.