Giving an Inhaler to a Child: A Step-by-Step Guide for Parents
Quick Answer
Using an inhaler with a spacer is the most effective way to deliver asthma or wheezing medicine to your child's lungs. For children under 5 years, always use a spacer with a face mask. For children 5 years and older, use a spacer with a mouthpiece. Don't worry - with practice, it becomes routine. The medicine works directly in the lungs with minimal side effects!
Why Inhalers Are Safe and Effective
Watch: How to Know When Your Baby Is Sleepy 😴 | Baby Sleep Cues Every Parent Should Know
Many Indian parents worry about giving their child an inhaler, fearing it's "too strong" or causes dependency. Let's clear these myths:
Facts:
Inhalers deliver medicine directly to the lungs where it's needed
Much lower doses reach the body compared to oral medications
No addiction or dependency
Fewer side effects than oral medications
Used safely by millions of children worldwide
Myths Busted:
"Inhaler ki aadat pad jayegi" (Child will become dependent) - FALSE
"Baad mein kaam nahi karega" (Won't work later) - FALSE
"Bahut strong hai" (It's too strong) - FALSE
Types of Inhalers for Children
1. Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI)
Most common type in India
Uses a pressurized canister
ALWAYS use with a spacer for children
Brands: Asthalin, Budecort, Seroflo, Foracort
2. Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI)
Requires strong breath to inhale
Suitable for children 6+ years only
No spacer needed
Brands: Rotahaler, Revolizer
3. Nebulizer
Converts liquid medicine to mist
Good for babies and young children
Takes longer (10-15 minutes)
Used in hospitals and at home
Equipment You Need
For Children Under 5:
MDI (inhaler)
Spacer with face mask (covers nose and mouth)
Spacer brands in India: Zerostat, Aerochamber, Able Spacer
For Children 5+ Years:
MDI (inhaler)
Spacer with mouthpiece
Same spacer brands work
Step-by-Step Guide: Using Inhaler with Spacer
For Babies and Toddlers (0-3 years) - With Face Mask
Step 1: Prepare
Shake the inhaler well (20 times)
Remove inhaler cap
Attach inhaler to spacer
Check mask is clean and intact
Step 2: Position
Sit with baby on your lap, facing you OR
Hold baby upright against your chest
Keep baby calm (difficult, but try!)
Step 3: Apply Mask
Place mask firmly over baby's nose and mouth
Create a good seal (no gaps)
Keep head straight, not tilted
Step 4: Deliver Medicine
Press the inhaler once (1 puff)
Keep mask in place
Let baby breathe normally for 5-6 breaths
Count slowly: 1... 2... 3... 4... 5... 6...
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
Wait 30-60 seconds
Shake inhaler again
Repeat steps if doctor prescribed 2 puffs
Step 6: Finish
Remove mask
Wipe baby's face with damp cloth
Give water to drink (if old enough)
Praise and comfort baby
For Young Children (3-5 years) - With Face Mask
Same steps, but:
Explain what you're doing: "Dawa leni hai taaki saans aaye"
Practice with empty spacer first
Make it a game
Let them hold the spacer
Count together
For Older Children (5+ years) - With Mouthpiece
Step 1: Prepare
Shake inhaler well
Remove cap
Attach to spacer
Child should be sitting or standing
Step 2: Position
Child puts mouthpiece between teeth
Lips seal around mouthpiece
Chin slightly lifted
Step 3: Breathe Out
Child breathes out gently (not into spacer)
Empties lungs before inhaling medicine
Step 4: Deliver Medicine
Press inhaler once
Child takes slow, deep breath in
Hold breath for 5-10 seconds
Breathe out slowly
Step 5: Repeat If Needed
Wait 30-60 seconds
Repeat for second puff
Step 6: Rinse Mouth
Especially important for steroid inhalers
Gargle and spit water
Prevents oral thrush (fungal infection)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don't Do This:
Using inhaler without spacer - Most medicine gets stuck in throat
Not shaking the inhaler - Uneven medicine distribution
Multiple puffs at once - Only one puff, then breathe
Tilting head back - Keep straight
Breathing too fast - Slow, deep breaths work best
Forgetting to rinse mouth - Causes mouth sores with steroid inhalers
Not cleaning spacer - Wash weekly with soap and water
Troubleshooting Common Problems
"My baby won't keep the mask on!"
Try when baby is sleepy or just waking up
Distract with phone video (just this once is okay!)
Let baby play with mask (when not using)
Stay calm - your anxiety makes baby anxious
Practice with empty spacer daily
"My child says it tastes bad"
Rinse mouth after use
Give a small treat after (positive reinforcement)
Remind them the medicine helps them breathe
"I'm not sure if the medicine went in"
The spacer should "mist up" slightly
You should NOT hear a whooshing sound (means too fast)
If child coughs, medicine reached lungs!
"The inhaler seems empty"
Count doses or mark on calendar
Shake near ear - should hear liquid
Some inhalers have dose counters
Cleaning and Maintenance
Weekly Spacer Cleaning:
Remove from inhaler
Wash with warm water and mild detergent
Don't rinse - let it air dry
Don't wipe (causes static that traps medicine)
Check for cracks or damage
Inhaler Care:
Store at room temperature
Keep cap on when not in use
Check expiry date
Replace when dose counter shows low
When to Use the Inhaler
Rescue Inhaler (Blue - Asthalin/Levolin):
When child has wheezing, cough, or breathing difficulty
Repeat inhaler every 4 minutes while traveling to hospital
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
FAQs
Q: Will my child become dependent on the inhaler?
A: No! This is a common myth. Asthma medicine treats the condition - stopping won't make the lungs stronger. Untreated asthma is dangerous.
Q: Why can't I just give oral medicine instead?
A: Oral medicines affect the whole body and have more side effects. Inhalers deliver medicine directly to the lungs - more effective, fewer side effects.
Q: How do I know if the medicine is working?
A: You should see improvement in breathing within 10-15 minutes for rescue inhalers. Preventer inhalers take weeks to show full benefit.
Q: My child's school doesn't allow inhalers. What do I do?
A: Provide a doctor's letter. Children with asthma have a right to carry their rescue inhaler. Meet with school authorities to explain.
Q: Can I give nebulizer at home instead of inhaler?
A: Inhaler with spacer is equally or more effective than nebulizer for most situations. It's also faster and more portable. Nebulizer may be used for severe attacks or if child can't use spacer.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatric pulmonologist. Last updated: January 2025
Questions about your child's inhaler technique? Chat with Babynama's pediatricians on WhatsApp for a video demonstration.
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