Medications used in a Nebulizer (Nebulizer treatments are best when your child is sick)
Medications (taken by mouth) / Inhalers
MDI’s must be used with a spacer (Aerochamber / Optihaler / Inspirease) to increase delivery of the medicine into your child's lungs. Maxair autohaler does not need a spacer device.
Albuterol syrup or MDI can be used as a substitute at school or other times when nebulizer is not accessible. Keep a record of how often your child is using his/her MDI. Improper usage or over-usage may indicate your child's wheezing is not adequately controlled.
Do not use albuterol syrup or MDI sooner than 2 hours after a nebulizer treatment.
To check if MDI is empty: Place MDI in a bowl of water- A full MDI will sink. if more than ½ of MDI is floating above the water, then the MDI should be replaced. Shaking the MDI will not help in determining if it is empty-there is propellant always present.
How And Why To Use A Home Peak Flow Meter
A Peak Flow Meter must be used at home to help determine the following:
How Do I Determine My Child's Personal Best Peak Flow Value?
When your child is well, record your child's highest value. This will be used as the personal best value. This value is used to calculate the green, yellow, and red zones as follows:
Peak Flow Meter Zones:
Peak flow readings should be done in the following situations:
Coughing is normal after a treatment and is a sign that the treatment is working.
If coughing occurs excessively during a treatment, the treatment may be stopped until the cough resolves. Treatment should be continued until all the medicine is finished.
A rapid heart rate and shaking during and after a treatment may occur with the use of albuterol. If it continues more than a few minutes, please stop the treatments and call our office.
Fax: 215-487-1270
OFFICE HOURS
Monday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Tue - Thur 9:00 am - 8:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am - 6:00 pm
Sat & Sun: By appointment
8945 Ridge Ave #5
Philadelphia, PA 19128