Nebulizer vs Inhaler Question

[Guest guest]

Okay-- my 3 year old son was just released from a 4 day hospital

stay yesterday. He was diagnosed with asthma at 5 months, but this

was our first hospital trip.

So my question is...

every other child his age is on a nebulizer (usually xopenex) for 2-

3 weeks after events. My son is on inhalers (QVAR daily with

albuterol as needed) via a spacer all year round, although he had

not been on either when we ended up in the hospital. Why the

difference?

In the hospital, they used the nebulizer with xopenex and he was on

steriods. His last day, they changes him over to oral steriods and

kept up the xopenex, but then said to just give him the albuterol

at least 3 times per day and re-start the qvar when the oral

steriods are over.

We have a follow up appointment on Friday, so I just want to have a

clue as to wether the Dr. is answering my questions correctly.

Thanks-- Joyce

[Guest guest]

Joyce,

I couldn't tell you why the Dr. would keep him on the inhalers verses the nebulizer. But I do know that the nebulizer meds (like Xopenex) goes directly to the lungs and works better. My son has no inhalers at all anymore. Bad thing about that though is if he has an attack and we are out and about he won't have his fast acting inhalers with us. We have to carry his nebulizer with us everywhere we go. The only inhaler he does take is his Advair...but no fast acting inhalers. Plus with the inhalers...unless used correctly...tend to leave residue in the back of the throat and causes thrush...and if not inhaled correctly will not all go the lungs.

Let me know what you find out from the doctor. I am curious to hear what is said.

Tonya --- "joycelstephens" wrote: Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2005 14:36:58 -0000To: asthma Subject: Nebulizer vs Inhaler QuestionOkay-- my 3 year old son was just released from a 4 day hospital stay yesterday. He was diagnosed with asthma at 5 months, but this was our first hospital trip.So my question is...every other child his age is on a nebulizer (usually xopenex) for 2-3 weeks after events. My son is on inhalers (QVAR daily with albuterol as needed) via a spacer all year round, although he had not been on either when we ended up in the hospital. Why the difference?In the hospital, they used the nebulizer with xopenex and he was on steriods. His last day, they changes him over to oral steriods and kept up the xopenex, but then said to just give him the albuterol at least 3 times per day and re-start the qvar when the oral steriods are over.We have a follow up appointment on Friday, so I just want to have a clue as to wether the Dr. is answering my questions correctly.Thanks-- Joyce Check out Ivy Tech State College and Go Further, Faster.http://www.ivy.tec.in.us, sign up for your free email at http://www.ivytech.net