Effect of Inhaled Salbutamol on Pain Severity in Patients Presenting with Acute Renal Colic: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

2 Department of Emergency Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran

Abstract
Background: Renal colic is a common and severely painful emergency condition often caused by ureteral stones. Rapid pain management is critical. This study evaluates the efficacy of inhaled salbutamol, a β2-agonist with smooth muscle relaxant properties, as an adjunct therapy in reducing pain severity in patients with acute renal colic.


Methods: In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 204 patients with moderate renal colic pain (based on the Visual Analog Scale, VAS) referred to the emergency department of Imam Khomeini Hospital in Sari, Iran, were randomly assigned to two groups. The intervention group received 30 mg intravenous ketorolac and inhaled salbutamol (5 puffs), while the control group received ketorolac and a placebo inhalation. Pain intensity, vital signs, and symptoms such as nausea and vomiting were recorded at baseline and at intervals of 10, 20, 30, 45, 60, and 120 minutes after treatment.


Results: Pain intensity significantly decreased over time in both groups (p

Keywords