Children can use many types of asthma medications as long as the dose has been adjusted for the child’s age and size. However, parents should be aware of important issues relating to some drugs. Children may experience more pronounced side effects than adults with some asthma medications. Never give a medication to a child before consulting a physician. Drugs and potential issues relevant to children include:

• Inhaled bronchodilators (e.g., beta2 agonists, anticholinergics). Many children with asthma use this kind of medication exclusively. Because of the few and mild side effects associated with these medications, some children tend to overuse the treatment. This type of medicine should never be used more often than prescribed (unless a physician directs otherwise). Overuse can worsen symptoms and interfere with the treatment of asthma symptoms. If a bronchodilator is unable to control asthma symptoms, a physician should be immediately notified.
  
  
• Mast cell stabilizers. These medications have been evaluated and considered safe for long-term use in children. They must be taken regularly to be effective. Some children take the medicines inconsistently, resulting in greatly diminished effectiveness. Parents should make sure their child understands how to properly take the medication or supervise each dose to make sure it is taken.
  
  
• Oral corticosteroids. There are a large number of side effects associated with these medications. Because side effects are often more intense in children, use of oral corticosteroids in children should be limited as much as possible. Extended use of this treatment has been associated with slower growth in some children. Many physicians favor an inhaled form of corticosteroids for this reason.

A device called a spacer allows many children younger than 3 to use metered dose inhalers. A spacer is a type of holding chamber that attaches to the mouthpiece of an inhaler. It makes it much easier to breath in an inhaler dose.  Nebulizers

Nebulizers can make it easier for young children to receive some types of aerosol treatments – often inhaled bronchodilators. Nebulizers force air into liquid medication, aerosolizing the medicine and allowing it to be easily inhaled – often through a mask that fits over the nose and mouth. The use of a nebulizer ensures the maximum amount of medication reaches the lungs. The face mask also makes this a good treatment technique for infants. However, ultrasonic nebulizers should not be used with some medications, such as budesonide.

Children should always take their medications based on an asthma action plan that they have developed with their physician. This type of plan offers detailed, written information on when asthma medications should be taken, what types should be used, what dosages are best and what to do in the event of a severe reaction. Having a plan worked out in advance and posted where a child can easily read it can help a child understand when and how their medications should be taken. A copy of the plan can also be supplied to schools, daycare facilities or babysitters as needed.