Treat It
Understanding Respiratory Medications for Kids
When your child has asthma, wheezing, or a lung infection, it can be scary. The right medications, taken as prescribed, can help manage symptoms and keep your child breathing easier.
Key Takeaway
- Rescue inhalers — quick relief during breathing trouble
- Daily inhalers — prevent future flare-ups
- Steroids & antibiotics — used for more severe cases or infections
These treatments work together to reduce swelling, open airways, and treat infections when needed.
Quick-Relief Medications (“Rescue Inhalers”)
These are used during breathing episodes to relax airway muscles and help your child breathe better fast.
- Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil) & Xopenex (Levalbuterol) — opens airways quickly during sudden wheezing or shortness of breath; used with an inhaler or nebulizer
- DuoNeb (Albuterol + Ipratropium) — a stronger combo treatment used in urgent care or hospital settings
Daily Controller Medications
These are used every day to keep symptoms away and reduce airway inflammation — even when your child feels fine.
- Pulmicort, Flovent, Qvar, Alvesco, Asmanex — helps prevent asthma attacks by reducing swelling; used daily with an inhaler or nebulizer
Other Medications
- Atrovent (Ipratropium): often added to albuterol for extra relief
- Oral steroids (Prednisone, Methylprednisolone): short-term treatment for severe flare-ups
- Antibiotics: only used if a lung infection is caused by bacteria (e.g., pneumonia)
