Please suggest if salbutamol (asthalin) can be given to 4-year old without doctor's prescription for asthma

[Worriedmamma]

Hi all, i am new to this forum. I am mom to a 4- year old boy who has been suffering from asthma for last 2 years. He was hospitalized 6-7 times during the last two years. Everytime doc gives him neb 3-4 times per day, omnacortil thrice a day for 5 days and also asthalin (salbutamol). Since yesterday, he has runny nose and occasional cough, which is usually his pre-cursor to an asthma attack. He is on Budecort 100 puff twice a day as usual. Can i start asthalin syrup if i hear any wheezing at night? Please suggest, i am very worried.

[ReedB]

Hi, sorry to hear your little man has asthma. Salbutamol/ventalin is a very safe drug and generally if symptoms from a cold are starting to appear it's a good idea to take it anyway. Maybe every four hours?

It sounds as though your son may not be on the best treatment if he's been in hospital so many times?

If you're worried then I'd suggest going back to your gp. If he's under 5 and a asthmatic they should see him on the day.

Hope that helps. Also, I've found kids tend to sound awful when they have colds. My little man always has been scared with his breathing!

[HowNowWhatNow]

Yes, you can.

Salbutamol - I give it 2 x puffs at a time - is a safe addition to the stable of other remedies you are giving.

How often do you want to / give it?

I normally start off with two puffs morning and evening on first sight of a cold/cough and increase the schedule when needed. Does anyone have chapter and verse on how to give it?

Have you called the Asthma U.K. nurses? I have spoken to them before about my child and they are so, so helpful and able to tell you what to do if what you are already doing isn’t enough.

Is your son under the care of a respiratory consultant?

[Tugun]

Hi,

Yes, but asthalin syrup might not be as effective as the asthalin puffer/inhaler. As he takes Budecort by puffer/inhaler then he should be able to breathe in the Asthalin the same way. Then it will go directly to his lungs. Salbutamol is quick acting but only lasts up to five to six hours depending on the severity of the asthma. When severe it may be needed more frequently but check with your doctor about what is allowed and what might be too much.

I am assuming that the nebuliser has salbutamol but check this as sometimes there are other things that are nebulised.

There is an asthma plan which the doctors discuss with you called an "action plan" which simply means - what do I do when things start to get worse. Signs of wheezing at night would be part of that action plan.

Do you have a regular respiratory consultant? If not, ask the GP to refer you.