💨 Albuterol & Nebulizer Guide

How to help your child breathe easier

📋 Two Ways to Give Albuterol

1. Inhaler with Spacer (MDI)

Faster (takes seconds)
Portable
Requires coordination (spacer helps)
Usually 2-4 puffs every 4-6 hours

2. Nebulizer

Takes 10-15 minutes
Easier for young children/babies
Same medication, different delivery
Usually 2.5mg every 4-6 hours

💡 Both work equally well! The inhaler with spacer is actually preferred in most cases - it's faster and just as effective.

🔄 How to Use Inhaler with Spacer

Shake inhaler well (15-20 shakes)
Attach to spacer
Put mask over nose and mouth (for young kids) OR mouthpiece in mouth
Press inhaler once
Breathe slowly and deeply 5-6 times
Wait 30-60 seconds, repeat for second puff

⚠️ Common Side Effects

These are normal and usually mild:

Shakiness/jitteriness
Fast heartbeat
Hyperactivity
Trouble sleeping (if given at night)

These effects usually wear off within 30-60 minutes.

🚨 When to Seek Emergency Care

Call 911 or go to ER if:

Albuterol isn't helping after 20 minutes
Child is struggling to breathe
Ribs or neck are sucking in with each breath
Lips or fingernails turning blue
Child can't talk or cry normally
Needing albuterol more than every 4 hours

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