Effectiveness of medicated hypertonicsaline nebulisation v/s medicated normal saline nebulisation among children with lower respiratory tract infections

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) in under-five children is one of the main public health problem in India. Every year ARI in young children is responsible for an estimated 3.9 million deaths worldwide.

To assess the effectiveness of medicated hypertonic saline nebulisation v/s medicated normal saline nebulisation among children with lower respiratory tract infections.

Experimental approach with two group pre and post test design was used. 60 children with random allocation divided into 2 groups (30 in medicated hypertonic saline group and 30 in medicated normal saline group) up to the age of 10 years suffering from lower respiratory tract infections were selected who were meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Both groups had received nebulisation thrice a day and post test 1 was taken on evening of 2^nd day and post test 2 was taken on evening of 4^th day. The standardized scale clinical severity score was used to assess severity of respiratory distress.

The results revealed that clinical variables i.e. respiratory rate, wheezing, retractions and general condition of the children was significantly improved with the use of medicated hypertonic saline nebulisation as compared to medicated normal saline nebulisation.

Medicated hypertonic saline nebulisation is more effective in stabilizing clinical variables than medicated normal saline nebulisation among children with lower respiratory tract infections. So, it should be implemented in paediatric ward to improve recovery of the children.