Asthma in Children (cont.)

You will probably give your child asthma medications using a home nebulizer, also known as a breathing machine. A nebulizer delivers asthma drugs, usually bronchodilators, by changing them from a liquid to a mist. Your child gets the drug by breathing it in through a facemask. These breathing treatments usually take about 10-15 minutes and are given several times a day. Your child's doctor will tell you how often to give your child breathing treatments, based on the severity of his or her asthma.

Your child may be able to use a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer. A spacer is a chamber that attaches to the MDI and holds the burst of medication. Talk with your child's doctor to see if an MDI with spacer is right for your child.

You know your child's asthma is well controlled if, with medication, your child:

• Lives an active, normal life



• Has few troublesome symptoms



• Attends school every day



• Performs daily activities without difficulty



• Has few urgent visits to the doctor, emergency room, or hospital for asthma



• Has few asthma drug side effects

By learning about asthma and how it can be controlled, you take an important step toward managing your child's disease. We encourage you to work closely with your child's asthma care team to learn all you can about asthma, how to avoid triggers, what medications do, and how to correctly give them. With proper care, your child can live free of asthma symptoms and maintain a normal, healthy lifestyle.

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Source: MedicineNet.com
http://www.medicinenet.com/asthma_in_children/article.htm