Budesonide Inhalation Suspension for Acute Asthma in Children

Patients randomized to budesonide inhalation suspension (BIS) receive 2 nebulized albuterol sulfate (5mg/mL) doses (2mL =10mg for patients over 20kg, 1.5mL =7.5mg for patients 10-20kg) mixed with 8mL (2mg) of BIS(0.5mg/2mL). The albuterol sulfate and BIS mixture is delivered by a medium volume, high flow nebulizer (AirLife Mister FinityTM)with an oxygen flow rate of 8L/min via a tight-fitting face mask.

All patients are given 2mg/kg of systemic corticosteroids (max 60mg). Patients who can tolerate pills are given oral prednisone, those who cannot are given oral prednisolone, and those who cannot tolerate oral medications are given IV methylprednisolone.

While guardians are approached for possible participation, patients are given a single nebulized dose of albuterol sulfate (5mg/mL) mixed with ipratropium bromide (500mcg/2.5mL). Patients who weigh 10-20kg receive 3.75mg of albuterol. Patients over 20kg receive 5mg of albuterol. All patients receive 500mcg of ipratropium bromide. Albuterol sulfate and ipratropium bromide are delivered by a medium volume, high flow nebulizer (AirLife Mister FinityTM)with an oxygen flow rate of 8L/min via a tight-fitting face mask.

500 mcg/2.5mL. All patients receive a final dose of ipratropium bromide after the intervention or placebo. The ipratropium bromide is delivered by a medium volume, high flow nebulizer (AirLife Mister FinityTM) with an oxygen flow rate of 8L/minute via a tight-fitting face mask.