If your child develops wheezing, we may recommend that he/she receive breathing treatments via a nebulizer machine.
The prescription will consist of two parts:
- The box of albuterol vials
- The nebulizer machine
Unscrew the top of the canister at the end of the tubing, empty one vial of albuterol into it, then turn on the machine and proceed with the treatment until all the liquid is gone (usually takes about 10-15 minutes).
Give 1 neb treatment every 4 hours X 2 days, 1 neb treatment every 6 hours for 2 days, 1 neb treatment every 8 hours for 2 days, then 1 neb treatment morning and night for 2 days.
In a normal child without any heart problems, albuterol is a very safe medication. We use this medication continuously in the ER even on tiny babies. What is most important is your child’s airway and breathing. If you give one treatment and your child is not receiving relief or is still in distress, then you can immediately repeat that dose.
However, if you are having to use multiple treatments back-to-back or are not completely better after two back-to-back treatments, you should call your doctor immediately.