How to Give an Inhaler to a Kid: A Step-by-Step Guide
Quick Answer
Don't be scared of inhalers - they're the safest and most effective way to treat your child's asthma or wheezing! Always use a spacer with face mask for children under 5 years, and a spacer with mouthpiece for older children. The medicine goes directly to the lungs with very few side effects. With this guide, you'll become an expert in no time!
Breaking the Inhaler Myths First
Watch: How to Know When Your Baby Is Sleepy 😴 | Baby Sleep Cues Every Parent Should Know
Before we start, let's address the concerns many Indian parents have:
Common Fears (and Why They're Wrong):
"Inhaler se addiction ho jayega" (Child will get addicted)
WRONG! Inhalers are not addictive. They treat the underlying condition.
"Bachpan mein start karenge toh zindagi bhar lena padega" (Starting young means lifelong use)
WRONG! Many children outgrow asthma. Early treatment actually improves outcomes.
(Tablets work better)
"Tablet zyada effective hai"
WRONG! Inhalers deliver medicine directly to lungs. Tablets affect the whole body with more side effects.
"Steroid hai, body damage karega" (Steroids will damage the body)
WRONG! Inhaled steroids are in tiny doses that stay in the lungs. They don't cause the problems that oral steroids can.
Understanding Your Child's Inhaler
Types of Inhalers Commonly Prescribed in India:
Type
Color
Purpose
Brand Names
Reliever
Blue
Quick relief during attack
Asthalin, Levolin
Preventer
Brown/Orange
Daily use to prevent attacks
Budecort, Pulmicort
Combination
Purple/Red
Both relief and prevention
Seroflo, Foracort
Essential Equipment:
Spacer - A chamber that holds the medicine mist
Face mask - For babies and children under 5
Mouthpiece - For children 5 and above
Indian Spacer Brands: Zerostat, Aerochamber, Cipla Spacer, Able Spacer
Step-by-Step Technique by Age
For Babies (Under 1 Year)
The Challenge: Baby can't cooperate, may cry and fight
The Solution: Use during sleep or calm moments
Steps:
Shake inhaler 10-20 times
Attach to spacer with face mask
Hold baby in comfortable position (sitting up against your chest works well)
Place mask over nose AND mouth - seal must be tight!
Press inhaler once
Keep mask in place for 6-8 breaths
If baby cries, that's okay - crying = deep breaths = medicine reaches lungs!
Repeat for second puff if prescribed
Pro Tips:
Try when baby is drowsy
Practice with empty spacer during play time
Two adults make it easier
For Toddlers (1-3 Years)
The Challenge: Active, wants to do it themselves, may refuse
The Solution: Make it a game, let them participate
Steps:
Shake inhaler well
Attach spacer with mask
Let child sit on your lap or next to you
Say "Let's take superhero medicine so you can breathe strong!"
Let child press the inhaler (with your hand guiding)
Sing a song while keeping mask on
Sticker reward system works wonders!
For Preschoolers (3-5 Years)
The Challenge: May resist, wants control
The Solution: Education and participation
Steps:
Explain: "This medicine goes to your lungs to help you breathe better"
Let them shake the inhaler
Attach spacer with mask (some may transition to mouthpiece)
Child can hold the spacer
Press inhaler
5-6 breaths through mask
Praise: "Perfect! Your lungs are getting strong!"
Pro Tips:
Watch videos of other kids using inhalers
Practice breathing techniques as games
Create a routine (same time, same place)
For School-Age Children (5+ Years)
The Challenge: May feel embarrassed, want to skip doses
The Solution: Independence and understanding
Steps:
Shake inhaler well
Attach spacer with mouthpiece
Child sits or stands upright
Breathes out gently (not into spacer)
Places mouthpiece between teeth, lips sealed
Presses inhaler and takes slow, deep breath in
Holds breath for 10 seconds
Breathes out slowly
Rinses mouth with water (especially important for steroid inhalers!)
Pro Tips:
Teach them to self-administer (supervised)
Explain why they need it (sports performance!)
Create phone reminders
Discuss with school for permission to carry inhaler
Visual Guide: What Good Technique Looks Like
Signs of CORRECT Technique:
Spacer mists up slightly inside
No hissing sound
Child is calm and breathing normally
No coughing during inhalation
Face mask leaves slight marks (shows good seal)
Signs of POOR Technique:
Loud whooshing sound (breathing too fast)
Medicine spraying outside mask (poor seal)
Child is crying or fighting constantly
No improvement in symptoms
Caring for Your Equipment
Weekly Spacer Cleaning:
Take spacer apart
Soak in warm water with mild dish soap for 15 minutes
Swirl around (don't scrub inside)
DO NOT rinse with plain water
DO NOT wipe dry (causes static electricity)
Air dry completely (overnight)
Store in clean plastic bag
Inhaler Care:
Check expiry date monthly
Store at room temperature
Keep cap on when not using
Don't leave in car (heat damages medicine)
Note the dose counter or track on calendar
Managing Different Situations
During an Asthma Attack:
Warning Signs:
Fast breathing
Difficulty speaking full sentences
Ribs showing when breathing
Blue tinge around lips
Not improving with usual inhaler
Emergency Steps:
Stay calm!
Sit child upright
Give 4-6 puffs of blue reliever inhaler through spacer
Wait 4 minutes
If no better, give another 4-6 puffs
Call doctor or rush to hospital
Continue 4-6 puffs every 4 minutes while getting to hospital
At School:
Provide school with doctor's letter
Give spare inhaler and spacer to school nurse
Ensure teachers know signs of asthma attack
Child should have quick access to inhaler during PE
During Travel:
Carry inhaler in hand luggage (never checked baggage)
Keep spare in a different bag
Carry doctor's prescription
Know medical facilities at destination
When to Call the Doctor
Urgent - Same Day:
Inhaler not working as usual
Needing reliever inhaler more than 3 times/week
Waking at night with cough/wheeze
Symptoms affecting daily activities
Emergency - Immediately:
Severe breathing difficulty
Blue lips or fingertips
Unable to speak in sentences
Getting worse despite using inhaler
Expert Insight: As our pediatricians remind parents: 'Milestones have wide ranges. Focus on progress, not comparison.'
FAQs
Q: My child hates the mask. Can we skip the spacer?
A: Never skip the spacer for children under 5! Without it, most medicine lands in the mouth and throat. The spacer is essential. Try different positions, times (sleepy times work!), and lots of practice with empty spacer.
Q: How do I know if the inhaler is empty?
A: Some inhalers have dose counters. For others, shake it near your ear - you should hear liquid. Mark the canister with start date and calculate based on doses prescribed.
Q: Can my child use the inhaler while sick with cold?
A: Yes! In fact, viral infections often trigger wheezing. Continue preventers and use reliever as needed. See doctor if symptoms worsen.
Q: Is nebulizer better than inhaler?
A: No! Studies show inhaler with spacer is equally or more effective than nebulizer for mild-moderate symptoms. Inhaler is also faster (2 minutes vs 15 minutes) and more portable.
Q: How long before sports should my child use the inhaler?
A: If prescribed for exercise-induced symptoms, give 2 puffs of reliever inhaler 15-20 minutes before exercise. Always warm up properly too.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatric pulmonologist. Last updated: January 2025
Need help with inhaler technique? Request a video call with Babynama's pediatricians for a live demonstration.
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