What Do Puffers Do? The Definition of Asthma, and Treatment In Kids
What do Puffers do? The Definition of Asthma, and How to Treat Asthma in Kids
It’s that time of year again when Fall viruses hit and kids everywhere are coughing up a storm. Unfortunately for many kids (and their parents), viral induced coughs and asthma are prevalent and lingering this time of year.
In the depths of winter many children develop colds and coughs. When a child has a persistent cough or difficulty breathing, some physicians will prescribe puffers to help. These children may have asthma (i.e. episodes of recurrent coughing or wheezing) or they may have a viral infection that triggers an inflammatory response in the small airways.
When a child has a persistent cough or difficulty breathing, some physicians will prescribe puffers to help. These children may have asthma, with recurrent episodes of recurrent coughing or wheezing or they may have a viral infection that triggers an inflammatory response in the small airways. In either case, puffers can help open up the airways and clear pesky mucus and inflammation. This can alleviate the cough and lead to better sleep.
How is Asthma Diagnosed?
Asthma is usually diagnosed clinically, with kids having recurrent episodes of persistent coughing or wheezing. Few children will require specialized testing called a methacholine challenge.
Definition of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways.
Asthma Pathophysiology
Asthma causes recurring and reversible airflow obstruction and tightening of the airways (bronchospasm)
What are the Symptoms of Asthma?
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Coughing
- Sputum production or vomiting mucous
The most common puffers I see used are Salbutamol (Ventolin) and Fluticasone (Flovent). Here’s how they work:
Salbutamol
(‘the blue one’)
Salbutamol is a bronchodilator. It opens up the airways when they are tight. Salbutamol helps immediately, and will work for a few hours. It is a rescue medication and is to be used when the child is coughing or having difficulty breathing. We typically use it every 4 hours as needed. I find most kids need it more often with sleep, eating or during exercise.
Fluticasone
(‘the orange one’)
Fluticasone is an inhaled steroid and decreases mucus and inflammation over time. We usually prescribe it to be taken morning and night. The medicine will then work through the day to keep the lungs clear of inflammation.
I typically prescribe Salbutamol as needed where there are symptoms of coughing or difficulty breathing and stop when this is no longer a problem. If your child needs it every day, their asthma/cough is not well enough controlled.
Most children can use Fluticasone intermittently when their asthma/cough is flaring up. For virus induced asthma, I start Fluticasone at the beginning of a cold till a week after it is over. This may keep it under better control and reduce visits to the emergency room.
Always use a spacer
(like Aerochamber):
The medicine doesn’t deposit in the lungs properly without an aerochamber. These are plastic devices that space the medicine from the mouth to maximally deposit the particles in the lungs. Without one, most of the medicine goes to the back of the throat, and what’s the point of that?
Watch my video on how to treat a child with a puffer here!
Is your child coughing? Perhaps this article on Croupy Cough will answer a few questions.
The general information provided on the Website is for informational purposes and is not medical advice.
Do NOT use this Website for medical emergencies.
If you have a medical emergency, call a physician or qualified healthcare provider, or CALL 911 immediately. Under no circumstances should you attempt self-treatment based on anything you have seen or read on this Website. Always seek the advice of your physician or other licensed and qualified health provider in your jurisdiction concerning any questions you may have regarding any information obtained from this Website and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or to someone else. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website.
- 6 Best Ways to Help My Children’s Mental Health - January 22, 2021
- What is Reactive Airway Disease and What Causes Asthma? - January 22, 2021
- What is virtual healthcare? - January 22, 2021
- What is Baby Eczema? Why Does my Child have Dry Patches of Skin? - January 22, 2021
- What to do for Baby Eczema and Dry Skin - January 22, 2021
- 9 Best Tips to Protect your Children’s Mental Health this Winter - January 22, 2021
- Children’s Mental Health and Virtual Care – How Does it Work? - January 22, 2021
- Mental Health In Kids. What Does It Mean For Your Child? - January 12, 2021
- Can we throw away our masks now? - January 12, 2021
- Children’s Mental Health – Signs of Mental Illness - January 3, 2021