Blue inhaler

[BertieTheBungalow]

My DS (3) has needed his blue inhaler 4 times today which is the most he's ever had in a day. He's needed it every time he's been outside even for a short time without running around just as soon as he's out he's coughing. I'm aware he can't have it more then 4 times in 24 hours but what do I do if he needs it again before half 9 tomorrow which he probably will as he has to walk to school and the childminders in the morning?

He's been sick from coughing that much today but as soon as he's had is inhaler and drink he's been fine.

Anyone any experience with childhood asthma it's all a bit new to me!

Generally speaking if you need to use the blue inhaler the maximum amount of recommended times you should ring the GP for advice - your son may need antibiotics and / or a course of steroids depending on what’s going on to cause the flare.

I'm aware he can't have it more then 4 times in 24 hours

This should not be the case. For my DC it was if they have an asthma attack and after 10 puffs, it doesn’t seem to be helping to call 999 for assistance. So you can absolutely go over 4 puffs a day if needed.

You are giving him 2 puffs at a time right? He should take 1 puff. Breathe in and out, then take a second puff.

If he’s using it 2 puffs at a time spread out several times across the day, that is fine. But if you find he’s using it more than 2x a day (4 puffs total) and it’s every day , then you call your GP for asthma review as that indicates the asthma is poorly controlled.

He needs reviewing by the GP as soon as possible OP.

Hi OP - I'm a pharmacist, this is my advice:
It's suggested that 4 times a day is the maximum as you should be contacting the GP if he needs that much. However, if he needs it again you must give it to him - asthma can quickly escalate and be life threatening. Coughing is also a sign that asthma isn't well controlled. In fact, if you think that just going outside is going to cause him to be coughing and short of breath, then give him the inhaler before you go to prevent it happening.

Call the GP now, if you can't get a GP appointment today or tomorrow then call 111 so they can advise you of where to go.

Thank you, yes he's had 2 puffs 4 times today plus his brown inhaler and his montelukast this morning.

I know for an attack he can have up to 10 puffs but the asthma was brought under control with the 2 puffs he had each time he needed it

I will try get an appointment with the GP ASAP to review his meds.

Thanks for the advice

Is he using a brown inhaler? A preventive? You can increase that which will help but take a while. Is he using his spacer?
Definitely call the doctor.

My bar is if he's wheezing again in less than 4 hours after taking the blue inhaler, get him seen asap, that day (A&E if required)
These attacks can go so fast, RSV is aorund which is leading to bronchiolitis, so don't doubt yourself, if in doubt, go. It can also get worse queicker at night when they're lying down

Trying to get through to the GP now. He has 2 puffs of his brown inhaler every morning and night, a montelukast tablet every morning and then his blue inhaler with spacer taken correctly when needed.

As I said he has never needed it this much, if he requires it again today I will give him it because I don't want it to escalate into a full blow attack. Hopefully I can get a appointment at the doctors soon.

Thanks again really appreciate the help

Good luck OP. He definitely needs to be seen urgently.

Got him an appointment at half 5 to listen to his chest

3 day course of steroids for DS

@BertieTheBungalow

3 day course of steroids for DS

Hope they help and he feels better soon.

Hope all goes well and the steroids help.
Has it been cold where you are? My asthma has always been massively exacerbated by cold dry air. Wearing a scarf/buff/mask makes a massive difference. Just a thought…might be worth a go if he’ll try it.

It is cold during the day, he wears a scarf the majority of the time, won't tolerate a snood yet but hoping as he gets a bit bigger and he understands it will help he will start wearing one also not managed to find one small enough for him yet!

I hope he feels better soon.