How to Use an Inhaler for a Child With Asthma
Correct inhaler technique helps children with asthma receive their prescribed medicine effectively and manage symptoms safely. Using a spacer, keeping calm during an attack, recognising warning signs, and maintaining equipment properly all support better day-to-day control. Knowing when symptoms need urgent attention, rather than home management alone, is equally important for parents and carers.
Using an inhaler correctly can make a real difference to how effectively asthma medicine reaches a child’s airways. For parents and carers, the process can feel daunting at first, particularly when a child is young, upset or struggling to breathe. With the right technique, suitable equipment and a little practice, inhaler use can become a straightforward part of their routine.
The exact method depends on the inhaler prescribed, so the instructions provided by a GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist should always be followed. The guidance below focuses mainly on pressurised metered dose inhalers used with a spacer, which are commonly used for children.
How to Use an Inhaler for a Child?
Before giving the inhaler, check that the device is the one prescribed for the child and that it is not empty or damaged. Some inhalers need to be shaken before use, while dry powder inhalers work differently and should not be used with a spacer.
For a pressurised metered dose inhaler, the basic steps are:
Sit the child upright or encourage them to stand comfortably.
Remove the inhaler cap and check that the mouthpiece is clear.
Shake the inhaler well according to its instructions.
Attach the inhaler firmly to the spacer.
Place the spacer mouthpiece between the child's lips, creating a good seal. For a younger child, a suitable face mask may be needed.
Press the inhaler once to release one puff into the spacer.
Encourage the child to breathe in and out slowly and steadily through the spacer. Five slow breaths are commonly recommended for children using tidal breathing.
If another puff has been prescribed, remove the spacer, wait around 30 seconds to one minute, shake the inhaler again, and repeat the process.
Replace the caps after use.
The prescribed number of puffs should always be followed. A child should not be given extra doses simply because the technique seems difficult.
Understanding Child Asthma Treatment
Treatment of asthma in a child can include different types of inhaled medicine. A preventer inhaler is generally taken regularly to reduce inflammation and help control asthma. A reliever inhaler is used to ease symptoms when prescribed for that purpose. Some children may have combination or AIR/MART treatment instead, so the medicine and dosing instructions need to come from the child's healthcare professional.
Inhaler or device | Main purpose | Spacer needed? |
|---|---|---|
Pressurised metered dose inhaler | Delivers medicine in an aerosol form | Usually recommended for children |
Dry powder inhaler | Delivers powdered medicine when the child breathes in | No |
Spacer with mouthpiece | Helps deliver medicine from a suitable inhaler | Used with compatible inhalers |
Spacer with face mask | Helps younger children who cannot form a seal around a mouthpiece | Used with compatible inhalers |
This table provides general guidance only. The child's prescribed device and instructions should always take priority.
How to Use an Inhaler With a Spacer?
A spacer is a chamber that sits between the inhaler and the child's mouth or face. It gives the medicine more time to be inhaled and makes coordinating the press of the inhaler with breathing easier. NHS guidance recommends spacers for children using suitable pressurised inhalers, particularly with steroid medicines.
Using a Spacer With a Mouthpiece
Ask the child to sit or stand upright and seal their lips around the spacer mouthpiece. Release one puff, then encourage slow, steady breathing. Five breaths are commonly recommended. A whistling sound may mean the child is breathing too quickly.
Using a Spacer With a Face Mask
Younger children may need a face mask attached to the spacer. Ensure it covers the nose and mouth with a comfortable seal. Release one puff, then allow the child to breathe normally through the mask for the recommended breaths.
Helping a Child Stay Calm
An upset child may struggle to use an inhaler correctly. Keep them comfortable, speak calmly, and demonstrate slow breathing. Sitting them on a lap can provide reassurance. Making inhaler use part of a familiar routine may also help.
Why Using Different Child Inhaler Techniques Matters
Good child asthma inhaler technique helps the prescribed medicine reach the lungs as intended. Poor technique can mean that less medicine reaches the airways, which may affect symptom control. Parents and carers can ask a GP, asthma nurse or pharmacist to watch the child's technique and correct any problems.
It is also worth updating the technique again as the child grows. A face mask may no longer be necessary, or the child may become ready to use a different device. The correct spacer size and method can change with age and ability.
Looking After the Inhaler and Spacer
Keep the inhaler clean, capped, and stored as directed, while checking the dose counter and arranging a replacement before it runs out. Clean the spacer according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and rinse the child’s mouth after steroid inhalers when appropriate.
If you want the best asthma inhalers in the UK, Fylde Clinic offers a wide selection of options you can choose from. Speak with our clinical physician for support with managing your child’s inhaler needs today!
Recognising Asthma Attacks in Children
Asthma attacks in children may cause coughing, wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness or difficulty speaking normally. During an attack, follow the child’s written asthma action plan if available. For a blue reliever inhaler, NHS guidance advises one puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to 10 puffs, unless the child’s action plan says otherwise. AIR or MART inhalers have different instructions.
Call 999 if symptoms worsen, the maximum recommended reliever dose does not help, or no inhaler is available. Avoid driving the child to A&E during a severe attack. Frequent reliever use should also prompt an asthma review with a GP, pharmacist or asthma nurse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using a spacer with an inhaler?
The benefits include making coordination easier and helping more medicine reach the lungs. Spacers can also reduce some mouth and throat side effects linked with steroid inhalers.
Can every child's inhaler be used with a spacer?
No. Spacers are designed for compatible inhalers, particularly pressurised metered dose inhalers. Dry powder inhalers use a different breathing technique and do not require a spacer.
How often should a child's inhaler technique be checked?
Technique should be reviewed regularly, particularly after starting a new device, if symptoms worsen, or after an asthma attack. A pharmacist, GP, or asthma nurse can check how the child uses their inhaler.
Final Thoughts
Helping a child use their inhaler correctly can make their asthma routine more manageable and support effective medicine delivery. Regularly checking their technique, using a compatible spacer when advised, and following their asthma action plan can all contribute to safer day-to-day management. Parents and carers should seek professional advice if symptoms change or inhaler use becomes more frequent.
For convenient pharmacy support and prescription guidance, Fylde Clinic can help families access appropriate services. Those looking to order asthma inhalers online can do so on our website for convenient home delivery.