Your Child's Asthma: Inhaled Medicines

Inhalers with spacers

An inhaler discharges medicine in a fine spray. A spacer is a tube with a mouthpiece that can be attached to the inhaler. It helps more medicine get into the lungs. To use an inhaler with a spacer, follow the package directions. If you have questions about the right way to use the inhaler, ask your child’s healthcare provider.

Instead of a mouthpiece, a mask with a spacer is used for infants and toddlers. Your child's healthcare provider can show you the best way to use an inhaler with a mask.

Dry powder inhalers

This type of inhaler releases medicine in tiny grains of powder. No spacer is needed. To use this type of inhaler, your child must be able to take a quick, deep breath. Read the package insert to learn how to correctly use this with them. Make sure to check the method with your child's healthcare provider.

Nebulizers

A nebulizer turns medicine into a fine mist. The medicine is delivered through a mouthpiece or mask that fits on the face. Getting the full dose may take up to 15 minutes. It can sometimes take longer if 2 medicines are being used together. Nebulizers are sometimes used by infants or toddlers. They are often not needed if a child is able to use an inhaler with a spacer correctly.