Albuterol facts for kids
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Albuterol is a common medicine used to help people breathe better. Outside of the United States, it's often called salbutamol. This medicine belongs to a group called "bronchodilators." That's a big word, but it just means it helps open up the air tubes in your lungs. These tubes, called bronchi, carry oxygen to your lungs. When they open wider, it's easier to breathe!
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What is Albuterol and Salbutamol?
Albuterol is a type of medicine known as a generic drug. This means it's the official, scientific name for the medicine, not a brand name. In countries like Canada and the United Kingdom, this same generic medicine is known as salbutamol.
Many companies make albuterol, so it has different brand names. Some of the most common ones you might hear are Accuneb, ProAir, Proventil, and Ventolin. They all contain the same helpful medicine.
Why Do People Use Albuterol?
Sometimes, health problems like asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can make the air tubes in the lungs get tight and narrow. This makes it really hard for enough oxygen to reach the lungs. When this happens, people might feel like they can't catch their breath.
Our bodies need oxygen to work properly. Without enough oxygen, it's hard for our brain and other body parts to do their jobs.
Albuterol can often help prevent serious breathing problems. Doctors often give people with asthma or COPD a special device called an inhaler. This inhaler lets them breathe the albuterol medicine directly into their lungs. The medicine quickly helps the tight air tubes relax and open up again. This makes it much easier for oxygen to get into the lungs, helping people breathe normally once more.
What Are the Side Effects of Albuterol?
Like many medicines, albuterol can have some side effects. These are usually mild and don't last long. Some common side effects include:
- Feeling a bit shaky or having slight tremors.
- Feeling anxious or nervous.
- Having a Headache.
- Feeling restless or unable to sit still.
Albuterol can also make your heart beat a little faster. You might feel like your heart is pounding or fluttering. Because of this, doctors are careful when giving albuterol to people who already have heart problems. If you ever feel worried about side effects, it's always best to talk to a trusted adult or doctor.
Images for kids
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Ventolin 2 mg tablets made by GSK (Turkey)
See also
In Spanish: Salbutamol para niños
