Bronchiolitis is a chest infection that occurs in babies and is caused by a virus. Membranes of the lungs that line the bronchioles become inflamed and can leave the baby coughing and wheezing, sometimes for months after the end of the infection. Bronchiolitis is occasionally mistaken for asthma and can possibly trigger a child's first experience with asthma. Researcher J.D. Kellner reviewed multiple studies analyzing the efficacy of using bronchodilators when children suffer from bronchiolitis. The study published in 1999 in the "Archives of Pediatric Adolescent Medicine," concluded that there were modest short-term improvements in clinical scores.
Albuterol
Albuteral is known by several brand names including Ventolin, Proventil and ProAir HFA. According to Drugs.com, an online medical drug reference, it as used to treat or prevent bronchospasms in people who suffer from asthma, bronchitis or emphysema. Physicians also use it to treat children who suffer from bronchiolitis. It is an inhaled drug that relieves coughing and wheezing but increasing the flow of air through the bronchial tubes and is only available via doctor's prescription.
Metaproternol
Metaproternol is dispensed as a liquid or tablet and is used to prevent or treat wheezing, shortness of breath and trouble breathing caused by asthma or other lung diseases. The National Institutes of Health advises that patients speak to their doctors about other medications they may be taking before using metaproternol. They should also tell their doctors if they have ever had an irregular heartbeat. Those who are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding should not take metaproternol. Side effects can include tremors, dizziness, nausea, dry mouth and throat irritation.
Ipratroprium Bromide
Also known as Atrovent, this is an inhaled bronchodilator delivered in a pressurized metered-dose unit. According to the online drug index, RxList, side effects include headache, bronchitis, and upper respiratory tract infections. Although used in some testing for children with bronchiolitis, it is not recommended for the initial treatment of acute bronchospasms where rescue therapy is required.
Aminophylline
Aminophylline is used to prevent or treat wheezing and shortness of breath that is caused by asthma or bronchitis. It works by relaxing the air passages in the lungs. It is available as a tablet, syrup and rectal suppository, or can be administered through an intravenous line. While aminophylline will help to control symptoms, it does not cure them and as such, treatment should continue even after the sufferer begins to feel better.
