Bronchodilator: Short-Acting Beta2-Agonist

What are these medicines used for?

Short-acting beta 2-agonists (SABAs) are also called quick-relief, reliever, or rescue medicines. These medicines are used as needed to treat asthma attacks. They are not used on a regular, daily basis to prevent asthma symptoms. You and your child should learn to recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack and take these medicines as soon as symptoms start. To prevent asthma attacks, your child may need a different type of medicine called a controller. Controller medicines are taken on a regular schedule to prevent asthma symptoms.

Your child's asthma symptoms are caused by two different problems in the airways.

• One problem is that the muscles in the airways tighten up, which causes the feeling of chest tightness and wheezing.
• The other problem is swelling, irritation and too much mucus in the airways.

Your child's asthma symptoms often start after exposure to a trigger. Asthma triggers can include pollen, animals, mold, colds, exercise, cold air, and air pollutants. It is important for you and your child to know what things trigger your child's asthma. Help your child avoid the things that trigger his asthma. Your child should keep his reliever medicine with him at all times in case he has an asthma attack.

How do they work?

SABAs work fast to relax the muscles of the airways and to keep them from getting too tight. By lessening the muscle tightness, your child will have fewer symptoms and be able to breathe better.

Your child's reliever medicine can be taken in different ways. For example:

• A hand-held device, such as a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or a dry powder inhaler is small and easy to carry. Inhalers help send the medicine directly to your child's lungs as he takes a deep breath. Some MDI medicines may need a spacer. A spacer is a small tube or bag that holds the medicine while your child breathes it in to his lungs.
• A nebulizer is a machine that your child will use at home. Medicine is mixed with liquid and the machine forms a mist. Your child will breathe in the mist to help get the medicine in to his lungs.

What else do I need to know about this medicine?

• Follow the directions that come with your child’s medicine, including information about food or alcohol. Make sure you know how and when your child needs to take the medicine. Your child should not take more or less than he or she is supposed to take.
• Try to get all of your child’s prescriptions filled at the same place. Your pharmacist can help make sure that all of your child’s medicines are safe to take together.
• Keep a list of your child’s medicines with you. List all of the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that your child takes. Tell all healthcare providers who treat your child about all of the products your child takes.
• Many medicines have side effects. A side effect is a symptom or problem that is caused by the medicine. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist what side effects the medicine may cause, and what you should do if your child has side effects.

If you have any questions, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information. Be sure to keep all appointments for provider visits or tests.