All inhaled medication in children using a meter dose inhaler will require a valved holding chamber, as well a mask for children less than 6 years. This is not required for dry powder inhalers. The child should have access to a reliever medication such as albuterol both at home and school. For preventative measures, those who suffer from asthma must have a controller medication such as an inhaled corticosteroid or an oral medication such as montelukast. These need to be taken on a daily basis for several months as directed by your provider to be effective. At every visit, your provider should give you an asthma action plan so that you know when to take controllers and relievers, depending on how well your child is doing, as well as advice on when to seek medical help. A peak flow meter, an easy-to-use breathing test for home use, can also tell you how well your child is doing, and is part of the asthma action plan.
-Dr. Stanley Galant, pediatric allergist at CHOC Children’s and medical director of CHOC’s Breathmobile
