Charlie is a 4-year-old patient diagnosed with mild asthma 2…
Charlie is a 4-year-old patient diagnosed with mild asthma 2 years ago. He was initially started on Flovent 44 mcg/puff 1 puff BID and albuterol MDI 2-4 puffs q 4-6 hours PRN upon diagnosis. His parents stopped his Flovent ~ 3 months ago because he hadn’t had any “attacks” in over 6 months. He has not been to the ER or been on steroids since he was last seen nor was he waking at night but mom reports that he was using his albuterol about once a day for symptoms (before soccer practice). Approximately one week ago, he started to develop URI symptoms, cough, chest pain, SOB and wheezing that have worsened over the past few days and his albuterol use has increased to 2-3x/day. Last night, he required more frequent albuterol use (every 3-4 hours). Upon physical examination, you note subcostal and intercostal retractions and diffuse expiratory wheezing throughout all lung fields without crackles or stridor. His oxygen saturation is 92% on room air. He was given one albuterol nebulizer treatment with minimal improvement. After a second albuterol treatment, his oxygen saturation increased to 94-95%, he no longer had retractions, but you continue to auscultate mild wheezing throughout all lung fields. Which of the following is the most appropriate treatment regimen for Charlie at this time?
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