Patient information leaflets
Once the doctor or nurse is happy that your child's wheeze is getting better and they can manage on 4 puffs of their reliever inhaler every 4 hours, they can go home.
Adapted From RHSC Edinburgh Guideline May 2018 with permission
Going home from hospital with an inhaler
Warning
NHS Borders
Paediatrics
Borders General Hospital
MELROSE
TD6 9BS
Please contact the department for a copy of this information in:
- large print
- another language
- Braille
- BSL DVD
- audiotape
Please contact 
tel: 01896 826000 and ask to be transferred to the correct area
"Information given on this site is not meant to take the place of a talk with your doctor or health worker."
Continue to give the reliever (blue inhaler) - 4 puffs, 4 times a day (breakfast, lunch, tea and bedtime)
How will I know if my child is getting better?
- breathing will be quieter, slower and easier
- less cough and wheeze
How will I know if my child is fully recovered?
- your child will be symptom free
What should I do if my child does not seem to be getting better or needs their inhaler more often than every 4 hours?
Give 10 puffs of the reliever on one occasion then continue on the 4 puffs, 4 times a day plan. If this does not help, or if your child requires another 10 puffs, seek urgent medical advice. If your child cannot talk, is gasping for breath or has colour change. You must phone 999 for an ambulance.
| Symptoms | Action |
|---|---|
| No Symptoms | No reliever inhaler required |
| Getting a cold | Take 4 puffs of reliever inhaler 4 times a day for 4 days |
| Breathing is hard and fast. Reliever inhaler is not helping at the dose above | Take 10 puffs of reliever inhaler over 10 minutes (this is an emergency dose) |
If you need to repeat the emergency dose within 24 hours at home you need to seek urgent medical advice. If your child does not get better after the emergency dose, cannot talk, is gasping for breath or has colour change you must phone 999 for an ambulance and continue to give 1 puff of their blue inhaler every minute until help arrives.
Remember if you are worried about your child, get medical advice straight away !
GP Surgery:
NHS 24: 111
Hospital: 01896 826000