Inhaler use for kids — 60-second summary
- Always use a spacer — face mask under 5, mouthpiece over 5 — boosts lung delivery 2-3×
- Shake the canister 5-6 times before every puff
- 1 puff = 5-6 slow breaths through the spacer — wait 30-60 sec before the next puff
- Ventolin: when symptomatic, 2 puffs every 4-6 hr (max 4 doses/day)
- Berodual: only when Ventolin is insufficient and a paediatrician prescribes it
- Rinse mouth after use to reduce oral side effects
Why Kids Need a Spacer
A spacer is a tube or chamber that connects the MDI to the child's mouth. It briefly holds the medication as a fine mist before the child inhales.
Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, using a spacer in children:
- Increases lung delivery 2-3× compared to direct MDI
- Reduces mouth/throat residue → fewer side effects (dry mouth, thrush)
- Removes the need to coordinate press-and-inhale — just normal breathing through the spacer
- Works from age 0 (face mask for infants)
📖 Read more: Complete bronchodilator-for-kids overview — what it does, when to use — Bronchodilator for Kids — Complete Guide
How to Use MDI + Spacer — Step by Step
Before the dose:
- Wash hands
- Check the expiry date on the canister
- Remove cap, check the opening for debris
- Shake the canister at least 5-6 times
- Connect MDI to spacer (face mask for younger kids)
Dosing:
- Have the child sit upright or stand
- Seal mask snugly around nose and mouth, or have child close lips around the mouthpiece
- Press MDI once (1 puff)
- Child takes 5-6 slow breaths (~30 sec) through the spacer — watch the valve flap
- Remove mask, wait 30-60 seconds
- If the doctor prescribed 2 puffs, repeat steps 1-5
After the dose:
- Rinse mouth with water (especially after Berodual)
- Wipe the face mask with warm water weekly
- Store the canister and spacer in a cool, dry, shaded place
Ventolin vs Berodual — Which to Choose
Intimo Life offers two bronchodilator inhalers used in kids:
| Comparison | Ventolin Evohaler | Berodual |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Salbutamol 100 mcg | Salbutamol + Ipratropium |
| Onset | 5-10 min | 10-15 min |
| Duration | 4-6 hours | 6-8 hours |
| Used for | General asthma, emergencies, pre-exercise | Severe asthma, marked airway constriction |
| Age range | ≥ 4 yrs (from 0 with spacer) | ≥ 6 yrs by paediatrician order |
| Side effects | Tremor, palpitations (~10-15%) | Palpitations + dry mouth (from Ipratropium) |
How paediatricians choose: Ventolin is first-line for general asthma — fast onset, fewer side effects. Berodual is reserved for cases where Ventolin is insufficient or when a child has chronic lung disease.
How Often Per Day — Dosing by Age
Ventolin dosing by age — always follow your paediatrician's prescription first.
| Age | Ventolin (when symptomatic) | Before exercise |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 yrs | 1-2 puffs every 4-6 hr + spacer + face mask | Consult paediatrician |
| 4-12 yrs | 2 puffs every 4-6 hr + spacer | 1-2 puffs 15 min before sport |
| ≥ 12 yrs | 2 puffs every 4-6 hr (spacer recommended) | 1-2 puffs 15 min before sport |
Key rules:
- Only when symptomatic — never schedule doses without medical instruction
- If using more than 4 doses/day = uncontrolled disease → see paediatrician
- If more than 4 puffs in one hour → go to ER immediately
- Berodual: max 8 puffs/day, only by paediatrician order
🛡️ Read more: Is it safe? Side effects + co-medications — Bronchodilator for Kids — Safety & Side Effects
Common Mistakes Parents Make
- ❌ Not using a spacer — only 10-20% of dose reaches the lungs
- ❌ Pressing without shaking — uneven dose per puff
- ❌ Two puffs in immediate succession — must wait 30-60 sec between puffs
- ❌ Holding breath after the puff — wrong; child should take 5-6 normal breaths through the spacer
- ❌ Scheduled Ventolin without symptoms — increases overuse risk
- ❌ Storing in the car — heat degrades the canister
- ❌ Forgetting to rinse — raises the risk of oral thrush
Caring for and Cleaning the Spacer
- Wash the spacer with warm water + dish soap once a week
- Air-dry — do not wipe, as friction creates static that traps medication
- Check valves and face mask for cracks or wear
- Replace the spacer every 6-12 months or when damaged
- Store in a sealed bag to keep dust out
Signs You Need Emergency Care
After a bronchodilator dose, watch for:
- No improvement or worsening after 15-20 minutes
- Very rapid breathing (children <5: >50 breaths/min; >5: >30 breaths/min)
- Bluish lips, pale
- Chest or neck retractions
- Unable to finish a sentence
- Drowsy or unresponsive
Any of these → go to the ER immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children <5: spacer with face mask (e.g., AeroChamber Plus). Children ≥5: mouthpiece spacer or vortex spacer.
Warm water + dish soap once a week. Air-dry completely — do not wipe (friction creates static).
Try a colourful spacer, reward stickers, or dose during sleep (face mask). Talk to your paediatrician if cooperation remains a problem.
Lung delivery drops — not dangerous, just less effective. Start over with 1 puff, wait 30-60 sec, then the next.
Yes — 200 puffs per canister. Track with a sticker chart or a dose-counter app.
Normal — 10-15% incidence, resolves in 30 minutes. Offer water and rest. If severe or persists past 1 hour, ask a pharmacist.
Only in emergencies or under paediatrician order — both contain Salbutamol, raising side-effect risk.
Either after brushing, or wait 5-10 minutes after the puff before brushing — to let the medication settle in the lungs.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified doctor or pharmacist. If you have any questions about your symptoms or medication, always consult a doctor or pharmacist first.
Related Products
Bronchodilator inhalers for children and adults
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Ventolin EvohalerFast-acting asthma inhaler from GSK
✓ In stock199.00 ฿ / -
BerodualDual-action inhaler. Rapid relief from acute asthma attacks.
✓ In stock390.00 ฿ /
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