How does my child take the medicines?
Inhalers
Most asthma medicines are taken by an inhaler and this is an effective way of taking the medicine. For each child, the most appropriate device should be selected.
- Children younger than 4 years are recommended to use a spacer device and a mask with their metered does inhaler.
- Children from the ages of 4-5 years are recommended to use a spacer device and a mouth-piece with their metered dose inhalers or a spacer device and a mask with the metered dose inhaler.
- For children using spacers the spacer must fit the inhaler.
Click here to watch the Asthma Society Online Videos on How to Use Your Inhaler
What is a spacer?
A spacer is a plastic container, usually in two halves that click together. At one end there is a mask or mouth-piece and at the other a hole for the aerosol inhaler to fit in.
There are several different brands of spacer, which fit different inhalers and some are available on prescription All spacers are available at cost price, plus postage and packaging from the Asthma Society of Ireland. Call 01 8178886 for more information or email office@asthmasociety.ie.
Spacers are very important because:
- They make aerosol inhalers easier to use and more effective.
- Your child gets more medicine into the lungs than by just using the inhaler on its own.
- They are a convenient and compact alternative to a nebuliser. Spacers work just as well as nebulisers in acute attacks of asthma.
- They help reduce the possibility of side effects from the higher doses of inhaled steroids by reducing the amount of medicine that is swallowed and absorbed into the body.
How do I use the spacer?
When you first get the spacer, wash it in warm soapy water, rinse and leave it to dry.
1. Fit the mask onto the spacer if necessary.
2. Shake the inhaler well.
3. Fit the inhaler into the opening at the end of the spacer.
4. Place mask over your child's face so it seals around the nose and mouth.
5. Press the inhaler once and allow your child to breathe it in for a slow count of ten.
6. Remove inhaler and shake again.
Repeat steps 2 to 6 for each dose of medicine. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how many puffs are needed. Always check with them if you are not sure.
Click here to watch the Asthma Society Online Video on How to use a Child's Spacer
Remember
Only put one puff of medicine into the spacer at a time. If you put in more than one puff, the droplets of spray stick together and coat the sides of the spacer, so your child actually gets less medicine.
Tips for using the spacer and mask with babies
- Cuddle the baby on your knee or cradle the baby in your arms. Gently tuck baby's arms out of the way with one hand if s/he tries to knock the mask away.
- Be positive and smile! Your baby will be aware if you are anxious.
- Gently stroke the baby's cheek with the mask so that s/he gets used to the feel of it.
- Use it when the baby is asleep.
Tips for children over two
- Show your child how to use the inhaler and spacer first without puffing medication into it.
- Turn the spacer into a toy - decorate it with coloured stickers.
- Turn it into a counting game. Count aloud as your child takes a deep breath.
- Have a routine - set a time of day to give preventer medication. It's best to do this before brushing teeth.
- Praise your child when s/he uses their spacer correctly.
Does my child need a nebuliser?
A nebuliser is a machine which creates a mist of medicine which the child breathes in through a mask or mouthpiece. With so many improved inhaler devices and spacers around, there is less and less need for nebulisers. However, if your child has very severe asthma or cannot use a spacer, they may need a nebuliser. That is because they allow much bigger doses of medicine to be taken. Your hospital consultant will prescribe one if it is needed.
Using inhalers properly
When using inhalers it is important that your child uses the right technique to take the correct amount of medicine to control their asthma. Nearly half of children do not use their inhalers correctly when they are not supervised and need to be shown how to use them properly. Check with your doctor or nurse regularly that the right technique is being used and they are taking the right amount of medication. Your local pharmacist can check your child's inhaler technique and show your child how to use a spacer properly. You can also watch here an online video of how a child should use a spacer.
