Aerosol Therapy and Its Effects on Arterial Blood Gas Parameters in Critically Ill Patients

Abstract

Background: Aerosol therapy is widely used in respiratory care to deliver medications directly to the lungs and improve airway function while minimizing systemic side effects. It may also influence gas exchange by improving ventilation and oxygenation. However, limited local evidence is available regarding its effect on arterial blood gas (ABG) parameters and breathing patterns. Objective: To assess the effect of aerosol therapy on arterial blood gas parameters and breathing. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from June to December 2024 in the ICUs and pulmonology wards of three tertiary care hospitals in Peshawar: LRH, KTH, and HMC. 100 patients receiving aerosol therapy were included using convenience sampling. Patients aged >16 years who were able to respond to the questionnaire were included, while DNR and brain-death patients were excluded. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed in SPSS version 22 using descriptive statistics. Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained before data collection. Results: 100 patients receiving aerosol therapy were included. Most patients were aged 30–50 years (43%), and 54% were male. COPD (34%) was the most common diagnosis, followed by asthma (24%). Aerosol therapy was administered mainly via nebulizers (72%). Overall, 91% of patients showed clinical improvement after therapy. The most common improvements were improved breathing (39%) and improved oxygen level (30%). Following aerosol therapy, the proportion of patients with normal pH increased from 39% to 63%, normal PaCO₂ from 33% to 63%, normal HCO₃⁻ from 32% to 66%, and oxygen saturation of 80–100% from 52% to 90%. Patients with low PaO₂ (40–60 mmHg) decreased from 57% to 15% after therapy. Conclusion: Aerosol therapy was associated with improved breathing, oxygenation, and arterial blood gas parameters in hospitalized respiratory patients. These findings support the clinical value of aerosol therapy and the importance of ABG monitoring in respiratory care.

Keywords: Aerosol therapy, Arterial Blood Gas, Effects, Parameter, and Critically Ill Patient