Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Inhalers
When inhalers are used correctly, the medicine is inhaled into your child’s lungs to help manage their asthma.
When used incorrectly, the medicine ends up on the tongue, the back of the throat, or in the air. When this happens, your child won’t get the medicine they need, and you might not be able to control their asthma symptoms.
- Inhalers have counters located on the inhaler. This tracks the number of puffs or doses left in the inhaler.
- When the counter reads 0 (zero), there is no more medicine left in the inhaler. You should throw it away. Get your refill before your inhaler reaches 0! Inhalers may still spray even if the counter is at zero.
Have your child rinse their mouth after using steroid inhalers (such as Flovent or Qvar)
“Press-and-Breathe” Inhalers
Most inhalers are “press-and-breathe” inhalers.
 |
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America recommends that anyone using this type of inhaler use it with a spacer or chamber.
If one is not available, it is OK to place the inhaler directly in your child’s mouth if your child knows how to use a spacer with a mouthpiece (not for young children who still use a spacer with a mask) – but you should reach out to your child’s healthcare provider to obtain a spacer. |
Steps to using your “press-and-breathe” inhaler using a mask and spacer
 |
STEP 1: Connect the inhaler to a spacer. STEP 2: Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds. STEP 3: Seal the mask over nose and mouth (or seal lips around the spacer mouthpiece for older children). STEP 4: Spray inhaler and take five breaths. |
Steps to using your “press-and-breathe” inhaler using a spacer with a mouthpiece
|
STEP 1: put the inhaler into the spacer and shake it vigorously. STEP 2: put the spacer in your mouth and blow out all your air. STEP 3: puff inhaler into the spacer, keeping the mouthpiece in your mouth. STEP 4: take in a long, slow deep breath for 5 seconds. STEP 5: hold your breath for 10 seconds, then relax and repeat. |
 |
Breath-Activated Inhalers
- A breath actuated (or breath-activated) inhaler is not a “press-and-breathe” inhaler. When you take a slow, deep breath in, it pulls the medicine out of the device and into your lungs.
- There are some that contain controller medicine (eg QVAR Redihaler) and some that contain quick-relief medicine (Albuterol Respiclick).
- Some people may prefer a breath actuated inhaler over other inhalers. These inhalers are NOT for children under age 5 years or those who cannot take in a slow, deep breath and hold their breath.
Note: Breath actuated inhalers DO NOT need a spacer or chamber, to be shaken, or to be primed before each use. Do not open the cover unless you are going to use the inhaler.
Steps for using your breath-activated inhaler:
- Flip the cap or open the cover all the way until you hear a click. This prepares the dose of medicine.
- Hold the inhaler upright. Be careful not to cover the air vents on the inhaler with your fingers.
- Breathe in and out a few times to get your lungs ready, and then finally breathe out to empty your lungs before putting the inhaler into your mouth. Never breathe into your inhaler.
- Put the mouthpiece into your mouth between your teeth and above your tongue and close your lips firmly around it.
- Breathe in slow and deep through the mouthpiece, not your nose, for about 5 seconds.
- Remove the inhaler from your mouth and close your lips. Hold your breath for 10 seconds and slowly breathe out. This is one “puff.”
- To take another puff, put the cap back on and repeat the steps
- Wipe off the mouthpiece and replace the cover. Store your inhaler at room temperature and keep it dry.
- Rinse out your mouth with water and then spit it out. Rinsing helps to prevent thrush or sores in your mouth.
Source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Neubulizers
- Wash your hands.
- Connect the hose to an air compressor.
- Fill the medicine cup with your medicine. To avoid spills, close the medicine cup tightly and always hold the mouthpiece straight up and down.
- Attach the other end of the hose to the mouthpiece and medicine cup.
- Turn on the nebulizer machine.
- Place the mouthpiece in your mouth. Keep your lips firmly around the mouthpiece so that all the medicine goes into your lungs. If using a facemask, place it over the mouth and nose. Small children usually do better if they wear a mask.
- Breathe through your mouth until all the medicine is used. This takes 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the device and medicine used.
- Turn off the machine when done.
- Wash the medicine cup and mouthpiece with water and air dry until your next treatment.
- Wipe the child’s face to remove any nebulized medication from the skin.
Source: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000006.htm
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, GINA Patient Guide, Medline, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
Reviewed by: AR D.O. | 07/2023