Comparison of the efficacy of nebulised budesonide with oral prednisolone in treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective: To evaluate the effect of nebulized Budesonide and oral prednisolone in treatment of a cute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD). Method: One hundred and eighty patients with acute exacerbation of COPD were randomized to divide into 3 groups, nebulised budesonide groups, oral prednisolone groups and placebo-controlled groups. Pulmonary function, arterial blood gases analysis and the adverse effects were measured. Result: Compared with the placebo groups, There were significant differences in the improvement of FEV1 (Forced expiratory volume in one second) of nebulized budesonide and oral prednisolone groups than placebo group, but there were no significant differences between of nebulized budesonide groups and oral prednisolone groups. The adverse effects in nebulised budesonide group were obviously less than those in oral prednisolone groups, but were similar with the placebo groups. Conclusion: Nebulized budesonide was an effective method in treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.