At 10:48 PM 02/20/2001 -0600, Julia Winter Mason wrote: > > This is interesting, because although I will also try cough syrup with > codeine for some cases, in the above situation (key phrase for me: > "cough-til-you-puke") I would try albuterol syrup first. > > Perhaps it's because I trained in Los Angeles, but I've got wheezing/RAD on > the brain. When I've got a kid with cough, I ask "Is it worse at night? > Does she cough in fits? Does she cough like > cough-cough-cough-cough-cough-I-can't-stop-coughing? Does she cough until > she spits up or gags?" If the answers are all yes, I will launch into a > description of bronchospasm, and how it can manifest as coughing fits and how > albuterol works and may help. I recommend giving it an hour before > bedtime... -SNIP- I've also learned to warn parents about the potential "bouncing-off-the-walls" hyperactivity that oral albuterol causes in some kids. I suggest trying a test dose during the day if possible, so if the kid does have an off-the-wall reaction they can make their own judgement about whether to try it at night. Michael Sachs, M.D. General Pediatrician Michael Sachs, M.D. General Pediatrician