Combination therapy in pediatric bronchitis: Examining mucolytic, bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory drug effects on secretion management and recovery time

This study investigated the effectiveness of combining mucolytic agents (ambroxol hydrochloride), bronchodilators (terbutaline sulfate), and anti-inflammatory drugs (budesonide) in treating pediatric bronchitis. From September 2023 to February 2024, 410 pediatric patients were divided into two groups: A control group treated with bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, and a study group receiving the combined therapy. The results indicated that the study group exhibited significantly better clinical efficacy, with faster resolution of symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and fever compared to the control group (P<0.05). Pulmonary function indicators, including tidal volume and respiratory ratios, also showed greater improvement in the study group (P<0.05). Additionally, serum levels of inflammatory markers (WBC, CRP, TNF-?, IL-6) were lower in the study group after treatment (P<0.05). Sleep quality improved more in the study group, with longer sleep duration and fewer awakenings (P<0.05). Airway secretion clearance function was also better in the study group, with lower sputum volume and viscosity (P<0.05). No significant difference in adverse reactions was observed between the groups (P>0.05). The findings suggest that the combined therapy of mucolytic agents, bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs is highly effective in treating pediatric bronchitis, offering significant benefits in symptom improvement, pulmonary function enhancement, inflammatory reduction, sleep improvement, and airway clearance.