Pediatric Albuterol MDI dosing: which statement is correct?

• A. Two puffs every 15 minutes
• B. Four puffs every 10 minutes for continued shortness of breath and wheezing
• C. One puff every 5 minutes
• D. Six puffs every 20 minutes

Answer: (B)

When a child has persistent shortness of breath and wheezing, repeated inhaled bronchodilator doses are given at short intervals to quickly open the airways. Using an MDI with a spacer helps ensure the medicine reaches the lungs, especially in kids who may not coordinate inhalation perfectly. Giving four puffs every 10 minutes provides a larger, rapidly delivered dose to relieve bronchospasm and allows for quick reassessment after each dose. This approach is more effective for ongoing symptoms than spreading doses out too long or giving too few puffs, and it aligns with the goal of rapidly reversing bronchoconstriction.