Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 16, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Inappropriate home albuterol use during an acute asthma exacerbation

Kelly Clayton1, Kathy Monroe, Teresa Magruder

  • 1University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA. kclaytes@juno.com

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|November 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Many caregivers incorrectly use albuterol inhalers for children's asthma. Despite perceiving symptoms as severe, most undertreat, highlighting a need for better education on proper asthma self-management.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Asthma Management
  • Emergency Medicine

Background:

  • Inappropriate home asthma self-management skills are linked to increased morbidity and mortality.
  • Effective management of acute asthma exacerbations at home is crucial for children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the proportion of children with acute asthma exacerbations in the emergency department (ED) who used their albuterol inhaler incorrectly at home.
  • To identify factors associated with improper albuterol treatment in pediatric asthma exacerbations.

Main Methods:

  • Caregivers of children (4-14 years) with asthma presenting to the ED were interviewed.
  • Data collected included caregiver-perceived asthma severity and home albuterol use prior to the ED visit.
  • Home albuterol use was classified as appropriate or inappropriate based on National Asthma Education and Prevention Program guidelines.

Main Results:

  • 68% (56/84) of participants used albuterol inappropriately at home.
  • Common errors included undertreatment (e.g., insufficient frequency, no albuterol at home), incorrect device use (no spacer), and using controller medications for relief.
  • Appropriate albuterol use was associated with higher hospitalization rates (P=.004).

Conclusions:

  • A substantial number of caregivers demonstrate incorrect albuterol use for pediatric asthma exacerbations.
  • Most caregivers undertreat asthma despite perceiving exacerbations as more severe, suggesting a disconnect between perceived and actual severity.
  • Accurate assessment of asthma severity and proper albuterol inhaler technique are vital for effective home management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma08:05

Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma

Published on: May 14, 2012

Related Concept Videos

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists01:25

Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists

Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids01:26

COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids

Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
Inhaled Medications01:23

Inhaled Medications

Inhaled medications are crucial for managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. They are essential for effective treatment and control, ensuring optimal respiratory health and well-being. Inhaled medication delivers drugs directly to the lungs, providing a rapid onset of action and reducing systemic side effects compared to oral or injectable medications. Three primary types of inhalation devices are used to administer these medications: nebulizers, metered-dose inhalers...
Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview01:17

Drugs Used in Lower Respiratory Disorders: Overview

Lower respiratory tract disorders present challenges that often require skilled and nuanced approaches for effective management. Common ailments, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), have prompted the development of intricate treatment strategies involving bronchodilators and anti-inflammatory drugs, each tailored to ease breathing and revitalize the lungs.
Bronchodilators, the first step of respiration enhancement, come in various forms, each with its own mechanism...