Medicine delivery devices

Most asthma medicines are given with a device called a metered dose inhaler. A correctly timed deep breath is needed to get medicines into the lungs. Attachments for metered dose inhalers and other devices can make it easier for children under age 5 to get the right amount of medicine. These devices include:

• Valved holding chamber with face mask. This can be attached to a metered dose inhaler. The chamber helps a child breathe in the medicine. The mask lets the child take six breaths to get the same amount of medicine the child would get by breathing in a single large puff of medicine.
• Nebulizer. This device turns medicines into a fine mist. Your child breathes the mist in through a face mask. Young children often need to use a nebulizer because it's hard or not possible for them to use other inhaler devices.