How could they possibly prove this when 75% of the medical community denies that albuterol should even be avoided or understand its effects to someone with bronchomalacia.
We were back in ICU last weekend because of respiratory distress, for our 11th visit in less than two years. I always request the allergy band, knowing that his lungs will collapse if given bronchodilators. More than one nurse and doctor admitted to not being familiar with this side effect and a respiratory therapist even attempted to order him some!
They often question the diagnosis of bronchomalacia because he didn’t have issues at birth…. or even a sick visit to the pediatrician the first two years of his life.
Seeing this article is like a slap in the face, as I have always hated medications and fought against most “let’s try this” suggestions. For the first 14 days of, “continue giving Albuterol every 4 hours until he heals,” he spiraled down until they suspected Pertussis and discontinued Albuterol.
How many people out there are suffering because of the medications given to them? I understand they have their benefits, but have too many concerns about how quick they are to prescribe.
Thankfully, our most recent visit didn’t involve any bronchodilators, steroids, or harsh medications. Granted, it was a fight to get here. I only allowed them to “try” high-flow oxygen and hypertonic saline, which helped him clear.
How can I make this type of information more available to the medical community and also motivate parents to research more and advocate beyond what they think possible!?