XP: Inhaler?

sugarbear0524

I just found out that my son (21 mo) needs an inhaler. Anyone have any experience with little ones and asthma?  I've used an inhaler, but I'm trying to wrap my head around administering it to a toddler

KMEss86

There is an adapter for an inhaler for young kids. I forget what its called, but I have one, its easy and works. Its basically a wide hard plastic tube. You stick the inhaler in one end,and the other end has a mask to cover the nose and mouth. You pump the inhaler and put it on the child's face for 5-10 seconds, per instruction. 

pitterpatter129

KMEss86:

There is an adapter for an inhaler for young kids. I forget what its called, but I have one, its easy and works. Its basically a wide hard plastic tube. You stick the inhaler in one end,and the other end has a mask to cover the nose and mouth. You pump the inhaler and put it on the child's face for 5-10 seconds, per instruction. 

This! They come with spacers for littles.  The worst part is the side effects of albuterol.  Sometimes it makes them sooo hyper and usually you have to give it to them at bedtime!  We used to wait until our neice (lived with us) was asleep and give it to her in her sleep to counteract that issue as much as possible.

jc&cat

Yes, the spacer makes a world of difference. In fact, the respiratory folks we have come in contact with say that inhaled medication should always be dosed with the spacer since it deliveres the medication better to the lungs. It only takes a few seconds (we do 2 puffs/2x daily).

What medication is it? DS has flovent daily and albuterol when he has a cold or flare. Good luck with it.

emberlee3

DS has used an albuterol inhaler as needed for asthma attacks since 21 months.  We use an Aero chamber, which has a spacer and a mask.  Very easy to use.  We used it on his stuffed animals to show him how it worked.  The animal would get 2 "puffs", and then DS would get his 2 puffs.  He got used to it within a few days.