Breathing Problems: Helping A Child Use A Metered-Dose Inhaler And Mask Spacer

Overview

A metered-dose inhaler (MDI) with a regular spacer has a mouthpiece that some younger children find hard to use. But a mask spacer that fits snugly over the mouth and nose can make the inhaler easier to use.

Using an MDI with a mask spacer:

• Helps get the right amount of medicine into your child's lungs.
• Can help keep your child's asthma symptoms under control and allow your child to live an active life.
• May prevent or reduce side effects of the medicine.
• May let your child use less medicine than is found in a pill but get the same effect.
• May result in the medicine working faster than a pill form.