1. Pick the Best Option
Inhalers and nebulizers can both deliver asthma medicine to children. Inhalers used with spacers are equally as effective as nebulizers, however, young children may not have the coordination needed to use an inhaler. Nebulizers are usually used for small children that have difficulty using the inhalers. Your child's health care provider considers all factors and prescribes the inhaler or nebulizer that is best suited for your child.
2. Nebulizers Are Easy to Use
Nebulizers are either electric or battery operated and come in many different models and sizes. They use a liquid asthma medicine and turn it into a mist, using oxygen or pressurized air. Children can inhale the mist through a face mask, making this the easiest option for small children. They only have to wear the mask and breathe. Nebulizers can be bulky and noisy, but they are a lifesaver for many parents. Remember to keep the mask clean so your child doesn't breathe in anything but the asthma medicine.
3. The Lowdown on Inhalers
Adults and children can both use inhalers, which require no batteries or electricity. The medicine is in a pressurized canister that fits into a plastic actuator. The actuator has an end that fits into the child's mouth. Pressing down on the canister delivers the medicine through the actuator. Your child needs to breathe in while they push down on the canister, which does take coordination. This makes it difficult for smaller children to use. You must keep the actuator clean to ensure your child only inhales the asthma medicine.
4. How to Choose?
There is no definitive answer as to which one is better, the inhaler or the nebulizer. When the inhaler is used with a spacer, it delivers the same amount of measured medicine as the nebulizer. When the spacer is not used, it may be questionable how much of the medicine the child actually receives. Inhalers can be taken anywhere compared to a bulky nebulizer. However, nebulizers are easier for children under the age of two because they can use a face mask to breathe in the medicine. They also may not have the coordination to use just an inhaler and smaller children may not understand the concept of using the spacer.
5. Keep Up With the Latest Research
The number one chronic disease in children is asthma. Research is done on a continuing basis and studies are published regularly. If you have a child who suffers from asthma and uses one of these products, keep up with the latest research. Speak with your child's health care provider on a regular basis as to the methods and medicine your child uses. If your child is old enough, involve them in the decision process. For example, your child can use a nebulizer at home and take an inhaler with them when they are away from home. Find the method that is best for your child.
