Albuterol
Hello, I'm new to asthma so sometimes I'm in situations where I don't know what to do. Ocassionally I will hear a small squeek when I take a deep breath. I know I'm supposed to take albuterol. But there have been times where I take the albuterol and about 10-15 minutes later that small squeek can still be heard. So does this mean I take another puff of albuterol? The order is 2 puffs every 4-6 hrs as needed.
Hi asthma2012, and thanks for your post. While we cannot provide medical advice or diagnostics over the internet (for your own safety), your concern certainly warrants a reply.
Since the prescription you mentioned calls for 2 puffs every 4-6 hours, that is the way you should take the inhaler. If you're taking 2 puffs, and you still hear the 'squeak' 10-15 minutes later, it does not necessarily mean the albuterol has not been effective. You may want to consider if you feel compromised and/or short of breath when you hear the 'squeak'. Does it limit your physical activity at all?
If you are compliant with the medication regimen (2 puffs every 4-6 hours), and the breath sound ('squeak'😉, persists, this may be something you want to take up with your prescribing physician, especially if you feel physically compromised.
What do you think?
Leon (site moderator asthma.net)
