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KEY POINTS
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Most asthma medicines are given with an inhaler that lets your child breathe medicine directly in to the lungs. There are different kinds of inhalers. Metered-dose inhalers contain a gas that helps the medicine get in to the lungs. Dry powder inhalers do not contain a gas. Instead, your child will breathe in the medicine with a quick deep breath while your child’s lips are on the inhaler.
Many children find the dry powder inhaler easy to use because they don't have to pump the canister while breathing in. Your child just inhales quickly and forcefully with the inhaler in his or her mouth. Because dry power inhalers need a forceful deep breath to work, they may not work well for young children.
Several different types of medicines are available as dry powder inhalers, including bronchodilator medicine to open airways and make breathing easier, and steroid medicine to lessen irritation and swelling of the airways. Some inhalers come with the medicine already inside. Others use a capsule that you put in the inhaler right before you use it.
Dry powder inhalers are not used with spacers (a small tube or bag that holds the medicine while you breathe it in to your lungs).
Read and follow the instructions that come in the medicine package. If you do not understand how to use this medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist to explain.
The basic way to use a dry powdered inhaler is:
Keep the inhaler dry. Do not wash it. You may use a dry cloth to wipe it clean.
If possible, have your child brush teeth and rinse his or her mouth with clear water after taking this medicine. The water your child rinses with should be spit out.
If your child uses more than one inhaled medicine, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist which your child should use first. Use inhaled medicines 10 minutes apart from each other.
Do not store an inhaler in places that may get hot or cold, such as in a car, or in a damp place such as a bathroom.