Triamcinolone in Asthma and Secondary Bronchospastic Pulmonary Emphysema

¹ Attending Physician, Unity Hospital and Attending Cardiologist, Department of Medicine, Cardiac Clinic, Long Island College Hospital.

A limited group of ten patients with intractable asthma, bronchospasm and pulmonary emphysema were observed during treatment with triamcinolone. Changes in vital capacity and total expiration time, measured at regular intervals, provided objective evidence of improvement in pulmonary function attributable to drug action. Subjective expression of benefits tended to surpass objective findings and included elimination of acute paroxysmal attacks, an increase in alertness and an ability to actively perform duties required by employment or care of the household. Complications of treatment observed over a period of two months were few and of no serious or lasting consequence. None of the patients in this series developed edema, peptic ulcer, elevated blood pressure, glycosuria or mental depression. The usefulness of simple spirometric studies as an index of adequacy of corticosteroid dosage, individual responsiveness and competency of treatment program is suggested. The application of the prompt and consistent palliative action of triamcinolone to the differential diagnosis of bronchial asthma is discussed and two case histories are presented.