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The most common way to take inhaled medication
is the metered dose inhaler or MDI. An MDI should always be used with a special
device called the spacer
which delivers more medicine to the lungs and less medicine
ends up in the mouth and throat. Is your child using his or her spacer correctly?
Let's take a look at the following example that shows good technique.
Because young children especially babies and toddlers may have difficulty holding
their breath
using an Aerochamber with mask, allows the young child to breathe in several
times in order to get an accurate dose and medicine.
First, place your infant or toddler comfortably on your lap
with the back of his or her head resting against your chest,
remove the inhaler cap. While holding the inhaler upright,
insert the inhaler into the spacer, then
shake the inhaler. Place the mask spacer securely over your child's mouth and
nose
making sure there is a good seal. Press down on the inhaler to spray one puff
of medication into the spacer.
The mask must fit snugly with no gaps between the mask and the skin.
Have your child breathe in and out normally
for six breaths. It's okay if your child cries
crying requires your child to take a deep breath. If your child needs another
puff of medication,
wait one minute and repeat these steps. When your child is done taking the
medication
remove the inhaler from the spacer and replace the cap
on the mouthpiece of the inhaler. If you have any concerns about whether your
child is using his or her MDI and spacer correctly,
ask your child's doctor or care manager to check your child's technique.