MedifocusHealth

Many of the medications that are used to treat childhood asthma (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids; inhaled bronchodilators) are administered with special devices known as metered dose inhalers and nebulizers. These devices ensure that your child receives the exact amount of medication with each dose that is prescribed by your child's doctor.

A metered dose inhaler is an inhalation device that consists of a pressurized cannister containing an asthma medication (e.g., inhaled corticosteroids; inhaled bronchodilators) and a mouthpiece. By pressing down on the inhaler, a specific amount of medication is released in the form of an aerosol mist which is then inhaled through the mouthpiece into the lungs.

Recent developments can help to make the use of inhaled medications easier. "Spacers" or inhalation chambers can be attached to the inhaler to hold the medicine until a deep breath is taken. In addition, many pharmaceutical companies are developing fine powder forms of the medications that are easier to use.

A nebulizer is a device that consists of a facemask, a small cup for holding the asthma medication, and a hose that is attached to an air compressor. The nebulizer converts the asthma medication from a liquid form into an aerosol mist which is then inhaled through the facemask into the lungs. Nebulizers can be used by children of any age and the treatment, which takes about 10-15 minutes, can even be administered while the child is asleep.