DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2026.v14i06.007

Pages: 917-922

Background: Acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (AECOPD) is associated with worsening airflow limitation and decline in respiratory function. Improvement of spirometric parameters is an important therapeutic goal during exacerbation. Combined nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide therapy may provide enhanced bronchodilation compared with single-agent therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of combined nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide on spirometric parameters in patients with AECOPD. Objective: To evaluate the effect of combined nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide on spirometric parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD. Methods: This hospital-based comparative study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine of a tertiary care hospital in Bangladesh. Patients diagnosed with acute exacerbation of COPD were included according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Spirometric parameters including FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC ratio, and PEFR were measured before and after nebulized therapy. Patients receiving combined salbutamol and ipratropium bromide nebulization were compared with those receiving salbutamol alone. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 23. Results: Significant improvement in spirometric parameters was observed after bronchodilator therapy in both groups. However, the combination therapy group demonstrated greater improvement in FEV1, FVC, and PEFR compared with the salbutamol-only group. The improvement in airflow limitation was statistically significant in patients receiving combined nebulization therapy. Conclusion: Combined nebulized salbutamol and ipratropium bromide significantly improves spirometric parameters in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD and provides better bronchodilation than salbutamol alone. The combination regimen may therefore be beneficial in routine management of AECOPD patients.