Breathing treatments are a form of respiratory therapy. Two examples of conditions that may benefit from breathing treatments are asthma and respiratory infections. Breathing treatments, sometimes referred to as nebulizer treatments, may be administered at home or in a medical environment. A mask or mouthpiece that is connected to a medication chamber and plastic tubing are used for administration. A compressor or an oxygen source generates the required airflow. A vial of liquid medication, prescribed by your child's doctor, is instilled into the medication chamber. As air flows through the tubing, it passes through the medicine and creates a mist, which your child inhales. The effects of a breathing treatment vary with the type of medication used.
Albuterol
Albuterol is a fast acting medication commonly used for asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease and other respiratory disorders. Albuterol is a brochodilator, meaning it relaxes the respiratory airways inside your child's lungs. Relaxed airways are larger, facilitating the movement of air in and out of the lung. You may notice some mild side effects such as nervousness, headache, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, coughing, diarrhea or muscle pain. More serious side effects, such as trouble breathing, chest pain, dangerously high blood pressure and changes in your child's heart rate, should be reported to the doctor immediately.
Ipratropium Bromide
Ipratropium bromide is also used to treat asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. It may be used alone, but is sometimes used in conjunction with albuterol. Like albuterol, it is a bronchodilator and a quick-relief medication. Quick relief medications are also known as rescue medications. Masks are preferred over open mouthpieces during administration as ipratropium can cause eye pain, blurriness and other negative eye effects. Other potential side effects include headache, elevated blood pressure, mouth dryness, coughing and difficulty breathing. Contact your doctor if your child has an increase in respiratory difficulties or signs of an allergic reaction, such as a skin rash or swelling of the tongue, lips, throat and face.
Budesonide Inhalation
Budesonide, also known as Pulmicort, is a corticosteroid that helps reduce the inflammatory response of the body. Pulmicort is a long-term control medication. It isn't meant to be used to treat difficulty breathing or acute attacks. Instead, Pulmicort prevents attacks from occurring in the first place. Because it doesn't provide immediate relief like a rescue medication, it should not be used to treat respiratory distress. Pulmicort also has some potential side effects, such as headache, runny nose, nosebleeds, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cough and white patches or sores in your child's mouth or on his lips. Dangerous side effects, such as weakness, breathing problems, ear pain with fever, changes in the shape or location of body fat or vision problems, should be reported to your child's doctor immediately.
