Using an inhaler for younger kids





Last week, I wrote a post on the "Most Common Inhaler Mistakes", which was mostly for older kids and adults.

If you have a younger child, let's review the right way to use an inhaler.

The first thing you may notice is that there is a mask on the end of the spacer (the spacer is the long tube that is attached to the inhaler.) So, you will have a spacer with 1) an inhaler attached to one end and 2) a mask attached to the other. See the photo above. 

(One thing I don't like about this photo is that the child is using a spacer, not a valved holding chamber. Usually, you would use a valved holding chamber with a mask. You can learn more from The University of Arizona Health Science Center. )

The mask kind of looks like an oxygen mask. It helps seal the area around the mouth and nose to get a nice, tight fit so the kids will get all the medicine from the inhaler. (For all of you parents with squirming kids - you know what I'm talking about!) It's hard to get them to sit still to take their medicine, so the mask helps with that.

You do the same basic steps as using an inhaler with a spacer:

  • Check the opening of the inhaler for crumbs or lint (you can find all sorts of stuff in pocket, purses and backpacks - which can clog up your inhaler!)
  • Shake the inhaler
  • Prime inhaler if needed (check out this website to see how many times to prime each brand)
  • Breathe out before you press down on the inhaler

If your doctor wants you to use a mask with a younger child, you hold the mask on your child's face while they breathe in and out 6 or 7 times. (With adults, you usually inhale from your spacer and then remove it from your lips.) 

I like to watch a video from Children's Health Care Atlanta, because if you look closely, you can watch the yellow valve go back and forth. That lets you know that your child is breathing in and out (and actually getting the medicine!) 

This video from UNC Health Care also shows how to use an inhaler with a spacer and mask, but is a little more detailed on how to clean your spacer and mask each week. It's important to clean them because if your spacer and mask are dirty, you will be inhaling any germs that are inside of them!

I hope this helps. To review how to use an inhaler or inhaler with spacer for older kids and adults, you can can watch these videos:




 As always, ask your doctor or pharmacist for help if needed.

Comments

  1. I really like this blog because it was helpful to me. There are multiple people in my family who have asthma and it was very informative to read about your experience with asthma. I found it useful to learn how to use a inhaler, since many of my family members use one.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I really like this blog because it was helpful to me. There are multiple people in my family who have asthma and it was very informative to read about your experience with asthma. I found it useful to learn how to use a inhaler, since many of my family members use one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kaleeyah! So happy I can help! It's nice to be able to help your family member with their asthma (and make sure they are using their inhaler the right way!)

      Delete

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