Your Child's Asthma: Inhaled Medicines

Inhalers with spacers

An inhaler gives the 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 it, ask your child’s provider.

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

Boy using metered-dose inhaler with spacer. Woman holding toddler boy on lap and helping him breathe through mask with metered-dose inhaler.

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 they should use this inhaler. Make sure to check the method with your child's health care provider.

Young woman using dry powder inhaler.

Nebulizers

A nebulizer turns medicine into a fine mist. The medicine is given 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 two medicines are used together. Nebulizers are sometimes used for infants or toddlers. They are often not needed if a child is able to use an inhaler with a spacer correctly.

Man holding toddler on his lap and helping the child breathe through a nebulizer mask.