Asthma---a respiratory disease that causes inflammation in the lungs---can be triggered by a variety of things including smoke, viruses and allergens. Some of these same triggers can be more threatening to children with asthma than adults because children's airways are smaller. The National Library of Medicine states that among children, asthma is increasing and accounts for the most school absences. Although preventive medications are taken to reduce the likelihood of acute attacks, there are several drug options available to treat acute asthma.
Albuterol
Albuterol and two sister drugs, levalbuterol and pirbuterol are typically the most effective treatment for acute asthma, according to The Merck Manual. These drugs are called beta-adrenergic agonists, and upon inhalation, they stimulate airways in the lungs causing them to widen, or dilate. By acting as bronchodilators, they reverse the constricted state of airways and improve breathing. The Mayo Clinic explains that albuterol and similar drugs produce an effect on the bronchial airways within minutes.
Ipratroprium
Ipratropium is an anticholinergic drug that relaxes muscles and reduces airway mucus which can exacerbate breathing problems. The Merck Manual states that ipratropium acts like other bronchodilators. It is typically used only after a drug like albuterol has been administered and further treatment is needed. Ipratropium can be administered intravenously (in the vein) at the hospital, or it can be inhaled.
Prednisone
Prednisone can also be used to treat an acute asthma attack in children. As a cortisosteroid, prednisone works differently than bronchodilators. The drug mimics naturally occurring steroids, or hormones, in the body and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent. In an acute asthma attack, corticosteroids are given orally as opposed to being inhaled. They reduce swelling in the airways and can modulate the immune system's response to allergic triggers that may have caused the acute asthma attack. Because corticosteroids are potent and affect the entire body, they can have serious side effects, according to the Mayo Clinic. High doses are typically only given during an acute attack and for a short while thereafter.
