Asthma in children: Helping a child use a metered-dose inhaler and mask spacer

Why should my child use a metered-dose inhaler with a mask spacer?

Using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a mask spacer is helpful because:

• It provides a puff of medicine in an accurate, measured dose.
• It can help keep your child's symptoms under control and allow him or her to stay active.
• When an MDI with a mask spacer is used effectively, most of the medicine is delivered directly to your child's lungs and does not travel throughout the body. This may prevent or reduce side effects in the rest of your child's body.
• Your child may be able to use less medicine than is found in a pill but get the same effect.
• The medicine may work faster than a pill.

Test Your Knowledge

1. An MDI with a mask spacer may help your child avoid side effects of medicine.

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS	Last Updated: March 20, 2009
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology
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