Breathing difficulties for a baby are a cause for concern for parents. When a baby faces trouble breathing or wheezing, parents are naturally concerned and want to give their baby quick relief. To provide instant relief from breathing problems, doctors often prescribe an Asthalin inhaler to kids above 4 years old. However, parents often hesitate to give this medicine to their infants as they are not sure whether this medication is safe for their babies.
An Asthalin inhaler contains the medication Salbutamol. This medication works by opening the baby’s airway. This medication is usually given to patients with Asthma and Bronchospasm. In this blog, we will discuss whether babies can use this inhaler when they suffer from Asthma or Bronchospasm.
What Is an Asthalin Inhaler?
Asthalin inhaler is a bronchodilator medicine. Bronchodilators relax the muscles around the airways of the lungs. When the muscles relax, the airways open, making breathing easier.
The inhaler helps the medicine reach the lungs. This way, the medicine works faster and provides quick relief from shortness of breath. Doctors usually prescribe inhalers since they work faster than some other medicines taken by mouth. Doctors often prescribe inhalers to children and adults to provide relief from mild to severe asthma attacks or breathing episodes. However, infants require extra care.
Can Babies Use Asthalin Inhaler?
Babies may use the Asthalin inhaler under a doctor’s guidance. Pediatricians may recommend an inhaler if the baby is experiencing severe wheezing or difficulty breathing. Since babies are unable to use the inhaler independently, doctors recommend using it with a spacer device and a mask. A spacer device ensures that the right amount of medicine is delivered to the baby’s lungs. A mask is placed over the baby’s nose and mouth.
Parents can’t give Asthalin to a baby without a doctor’s advice. It is safe to give your 10-month-old baby 0.3 ml of Asthalin respiratory solution twice a day, but a paediatrician must prescribe it based on the baby’s weight, health, and breathing condition. It is important to note that no one can adjust or take the dosage on their own. Consult with your doctor before prescribing your baby Asthalin inhaler.
Conditions Where Doctors May Prescribe Asthalin
Doctors can prescribe an Asthalin Inhaler for babies under certain conditions. Here are the key conditions:
- One reason to prescribe an inhaler for a baby is wheezing caused by a viral infection. Often, a viral infection can lead to a temporary narrowing of the airway.
- Another reason for prescribing Asthalin Inhaler for a baby is the early onset of asthma-like symptoms. Babies may often experience breathing difficulties due to allergies, colds, or infections. In such cases, bronchodilators work well.
- Sometimes, a baby with a lung problem may need this inhaler. However, doctors suggest not treating all breathing problems with an inhaler.
Possible Side Effects of Asthalin Inhaler in Babies
Similar to all medications, the Asthalin inhaler also brings side effects. The side effects are usually mild and short-lived. Some babies might be slightly fidgety or have an increased heart rate after using the inhaler. Other side effects include slight shaking of hands and irritability. If the side effects are severe, parents should consult their doctor. The doctor can adjust the medicine’s dosage or even recommend an alternative. Parents must monitor their infants for the following side effects:
- Physical: Tremors, which may begin in the hands; cramps; and restlessness.
- Cardiovascular: Tachycardia or palpitations.
- Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, or stomach discomfort.
- Neurological: Headache; dizziness; or sleepiness.
Parents must not give Asthalin to an infant without a direct prescription and dosage instructions from a pediatrician. The dosage must be carefully calculated based on the child’s weight, age, and breathing condition.
When to See a Doctor
Parents should consult their baby’s doctor in case they notice their baby experiencing recurrent breathing difficulties. Some of the symptoms include wheezing, fast breathing, and retractions. After identifying the symptoms, doctors can either examine the baby physically or, in some cases, perform tests to determine the cause of the baby’s breathing difficulties. After identifying the baby’s condition, they can then recommend the best course of action.
Both parents and doctors must monitor the babies’ condition to determine whether they are responding well to the medication. Pediatricians can then adjust the medication in case their symptoms change.
Conclusion
In some cases, parents can use the Asthalin inhaler for babies. The medicine helps in opening the airways to relieve breathing difficulties. Doctors can prescribe the medicine for wheezing or breathing difficulties in babies when required.
It is always advisable not to give inhaled medicine to an infant without proper advice from a doctor. However, parents can consider opting for breathing treatments for babies with proper guidance from a pediatrician to help them recover comfortably.