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

A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is a handheld device that delivers a measured dose of medication directly to the lungs. The medication is usually in an aerosol form.

Using a spacer with an MDI is the most efficient way to get the most medication to your child's lungs. A spacer functions as a "holding" area for the medication before your child breathes in. Using a spacer with the MDI may improve the delivery of the medication and help your child if he or she has problems with releasing the medication and inhaling at the same time. A spacer should always be used with inhaled corticosteroids to avoid side effects.

A mask spacer is a spacer with a face mask at the end of the spacer. This is put over your child's mouth and nose. Mask spacers are used for young children who cannot use a spacer with a mouthpiece; they are usually needed for children from infancy through about age 5. However, many children about age 2 and older do not like the mask and should be encouraged to learn to use a standard spacer if they are willing to try it. Older children and adults who have problems using an MDI and spacer can also use a mask spacer.

Test Your Knowledge

1. Using an MDI with a mask spacer may make it easier for your child to get the medication to his or her lungs.

   1. True

      This answer is correct.

      Using an MDI with a mask spacer may make it easier for your child to get the medication to his or her lungs.

   2. False

      This answer is incorrect.

      Using an MDI with a mask spacer may make it easier for your child to get the medication to his or her lungs.

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

• It provides a puff of medication 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 medication is delivered directly to your child's lungs and does not travel throughout the body. This may prevent or decrease side effects in the rest of your child's body.
• Your child may be able to use less medication than is found in a pill but get the same effect.
• The medication may work faster than a pill.

Test Your Knowledge

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

   1. True

      This answer is correct.

      An MDI with a mask spacer may help your child avoid side effects of medication because, when the spacer is used effectively, most of the medication goes to the lungs and does not travel to other parts the body.

   2. False

      This answer is incorrect.

      An MDI with a mask spacer may help your child avoid side effects of medication because, when the spacer is used effectively, most of the medication goes to the lungs and does not travel to other parts the body.

Before using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a mask spacer:

1. Talk with your doctor to be sure that you know how to use the MDI and mask spacer correctly. Be sure your child uses them exactly as your doctor has prescribed.
2. Depending on his or her age, teach your child how to check that he or she has the correct medication. If your child uses several inhalers, put a label on each one so that he or she knows which one to use at the right time. Consider using different colors or stickers to help your child see the difference between medications.
3. Check the label of the inhaler medication to see how many inhalations should be in the canister. If you and your child know how many breaths he or she can take, the inhaler can be replaced before it runs out. Learn how to test the canister to estimate how much medication is left. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you and your child with this.

View a slideshow on using a metered-dose inhaler with a mask spacer .

Test Your Knowledge

1. After spraying one puff of medication into the mask spacer, your child takes one deep breath.

   1. True

      This answer is incorrect.

      After spraying one puff of medication into the mask spacer, your child breathes normally for about 20 seconds. However, a single deep breath to inhale the medication is preferred for older children, teens, and adults.

   2. False

      This answer is correct.

      After spraying one puff of medication into the mask spacer, your child breathes normally for about 20 seconds. However, a single deep breath to inhale the medication is preferred for older children, teens, and adults.

Now that you have read this information, you are ready to help your child use a metered-dose inhaler with a mask spacer.

Talk with your doctor

If you have questions about this information, take it with you when you visit your doctor.