Effects of airway humidification with different doses of ambroxol to tracheotomy

Objective To clarify the clinical value of using Ambroxol in tracheotomy, and investigate the effects of different doses of Ambroxol to airway humidification for tracheotomy, and provide a new idea for the scientific, wholesome, systematic humidification solutions. Methods A total of 80 tracheotomy patients in our hospital between January, 2016 and January, 2017 were divided into group A (no Ambroxol), group B (30 mg/d Ambroxol), group C (60 mg/d Ambroxol), group D (90 mg/d Ambroxol) according to random number table, with 20 cases in each group. The effects of airway humidification among the four groups in the 3rd, 5th and 7th day were compared. Results In the 3rd, 5th and 7th day after humidifying, there was no statistically difference (P>0.05) in the viscosity of sputum among the four groups. The rising sputum pH value and reducing sputum Ca²⁺ value and α1-Acid glycoprotein value in the group B (30 mg/d), group C (60 mg/d)and group D (90 mg/d) which contained Ambroxol were better than that in group A (no Ambroxol), P<0.05. The higher dose of the Ambroxol used, the stronger effect it would be, but the number of sputum aspiration was increased. In the incidence of stimulating choking cough and airway mucosa bleeding, there was no statistically difference (P>0.05) among the four groups. Group D (90 mg/d) might have the risk of medication side effects. Conclusion For tracheotomy, it is effective to use Ambroxol to continuous airway humidification by micro pump. The dose of 30 mg/d is suitable for patients who have a long-stay. The dose of 60 mg/d is suitable for patients who have a short-stay or need to achieve effects as quickly as possible. The dose of 90 mg/d is suitable for patients who need to be rescued instantly or whose airway is easy to be blocked by the plugs of sputum, and monitoring uric acid of patients during the airway humidification is necessary.