Salbutamol in mild asthmatic exacerbations in children. Three is not better than one

Authors’ conclusions: the bronchodilator effect of a single inhaled dose of short-acting beta-agonists with a valve holding chamber is similar to the administration of successive doses in children with mild acute asthma exacerbation.

Reviewers’ commentary: this study in children with mild asthmatic exacerbations, after a first effective dose of salbutamol, finds no short-term functional benefit in administering successive doses. It does not provide evidence on the longer-term impact or the impact on other clinical variables, in more severe exacerbations or in patients with a partial response to a first dose of bronchodilator.