Un-prescribed albuterol for an infant?

Question

My husbands ex is giving her infant (almost 1 year of age) albuterol treatments through a nebulizer at home, becuase she thinks the baby has asthma. She has NOT consulted a physican about this diagnosis or treatment. Unfortunatly due to other circumstances none of us, including her other daughter who is currently residing with us, are on speaking terms with her right now. I know she'll just get irrate and hang up if I call. If I call DCFS it will seem like I am doing it out of pettiness or being vengeful. How serious is this, and what effects could it have on the baby? Should I call DCFS anyways, despite the further consequences to our extended family dynamic?

Answer 1

I know it sounds as if you think that you are being vengeful, but if you are asking this question, you already have the answer.  If you sit and do nothing and something happens, could you live with yourself?  You don't have to leave a name, these calls are anonymous.  You need to to what is best for the baby.  You can call 1-800-4-A-CHILD and they can take the report so you aren't as close as your nearest office.

Answer 2

Asthma is deadly and dangerous.

If she truly believes that her child has asthma she should definitely be under the supervision of a physician.

Albuterol, although generally safe in infants, can cause an extremely increased heart heart, increased blood pressures that can lead to heart damage.

If you feel that the infant is in danger, I would reccomend calling DCFS, it will probably in his ex's eyes seem petty and venegful, but can you honestly live with knowing that you knew about an infant being in harms way?

Answer 3

U know that is a serious thing my daughter has asthma and its certain dosages for different kids that could cause serious problems.I would say try talking to her once more be civilized and if u get nothing then call because that could hurt that child in the end.

Answer 4

I have to assume it could be very serious.  Any medication given that is un-prescribed could be very dangerous.  How does she know what a safe dose would be.  Have you considered calling one of her family members or having your husband call her family members to express concern?  If that doesn't work I would call DCFS and explain that you are concerned.  That you know she is giving un-prescribed breathing treaments to a child without a diagnosis. They will take it from there.  In the end the child's well being is the most important.  It is good you are showing concern.  

EDIT...okay after seeing what people have said about the very serious nature...I would call DCFS right away.  You can definitely be an anonymous caller.  Forget calling the family members they are most likely pretty aware of the situation.  I hope the baby is okay..how sad and absolutely scary!

Answer 5

My son is actually on that right now and just last week his pediatrician was saying that if they do not get the right dose, it can speed their heart rate quite a bit and cause a lot of very serious problems.  Heart failure, heart attack... as well as other problems with the lungs.  It's up to you, but she obviously doesn't understand how dangerous this could be.

Answer 6

Yes you should call.  The baby can die from a heart attack if it receives enough.  It could cause a serious and permanent health problem.  You are contributing to the death of the child if you don't report it.  You may not succeed in stopping it or in saving its life, but you have to try.  The child's life is more important that your relationship with those that would let it die.

Answer 7

at that age a child needs about an adult half dose...if it is getting more it could have some bad side effects. I know that the adult doses are fine when the child gets older (my son is 3 and on adult doses up to 6 times a day by prescription....it's like .83 something) but my younger nephew (just under 1 year) was taking the same thing but half or quarter dose up to 5 times daily. I'd break down that barrier because this is no longer about two adults but is now endangering an infant.

Answer 8

If she is giving the baby medication that isn't prescribed such as albuterol it can be life threatening. I would call DCFS and make an anonymous complaint. Is it possible to call the woman's pediatrician and let them know what's going on too?