Comparison of Vibrating Mesh Nebulizer Versus Jet Nebulizer in the Pediatric Asthma Patient

The purpose of this study is to compare clinical outcomes related to the current practice of
using a jet nebulizer (JN) with aerosol mask (AM) or mouthpiece (MP) versus a vibrating mesh
nebulizer (VMN) with a valved-mask (VM) or MP in the treatment of acute moderate to severe
asthma in Children's Medical Center Dallas Emergency Department (CMCED). The investigators
hypothesize that using the combination of a VMN and VM or MP will result in fewer hospital
admissions and decrease length of stay in CMCED when compared to the current practice of
using a JN and AM or MP.

Inclusion Criteria:

2 to 18 year old (up to 19th birthday) otherwise healthy children with primary diagnosis of
acute moderate to severe exacerbation of asthma presenting to Children's Medical Center
Emergency Department, Dallas

Exclusion Criteria:

- Children < 2 years old

- Children with comorbid/complex medical conditions such as: congenital or acquired
cardiovascular disease, cystic fibrosis, chronic lung disease (other than asthma),
bronchopulmonary dysplasia, airway anomalies (e.g., tracheomalacia) or
immunodeficiency syndromes.

- Patients with coexisting medical condition such as pneumonia

- Patients in impending respiratory failure as determined by treating physician

- Patients that have had oral corticosteroids within 24hrs of CMCED admission

- Patients that have had bronchodilator treatment within one hour of CMCED admission