[The clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of the combined use of diaphragmatic electrostimulation and ultrasonic inhalation in patients with obstructive bronchitis].

Efficiency of diaphragm electrostimulation (DES) in combination with ultrasound inhalations (USI) was tried in 172 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis (COB) in the exacerbation phase. They were divided into 3 groups by the degree of respiratory distress (RD) and circulatory insufficiency (CI). Group 1 consisted of 61 patients with RD of the first degree, group 2--of 57 patients with RD of the second degree and CI stage I, group 3--of 54 patients with RD of the second degree and CI stage IIA. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups exposed to DES + USI, USI, DES (subgroups 1, 2 and 3, respectively). Before and after the treatment, the patients underwent spirography, ECG, stimulation electromyography of the diaphragm, x-ray of the chest. Positive effects of DES + USI were reported on respiration mechanics, diaphragm contractility, pulmonary ventilation, function of the bronchopulmonary system and diaphragm. This combination promoted also deeper inhalation of the aerosol, faster relief of clinical symptoms. DES in COB patients is contraindicated unless bronchospasm is properly reduced.