Aerosol Bronchodilator Delivery in Pediatric Asthma: Benefits of Metered-Dose Inhalers with Auxiliary Devices in the Ambulatory Setting

Abstract

Asthma is the leading chronic pediatric respiratory illness in America today. Inhaled β-agonist bronchodilator therapy is generally preferred over oral medications for children with asthma because inhaled preparations penetrate the airways more quickly and help minimize side effects. In the 1980s spacers and other auxiliary devices for metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) were developed and their efficacy, reliability, cost-effectiveness, and convenience established in clinical trials. Today, many organizations in the United States and abroad recommend MDIs with auxiliary devices for delivery of inhaled bronchodilator therapy in children. This paper looks at MDIs with auxiliary devices and nebulizers, summarizing comparative trials that have shown the benefits and equivalent efficacy of MDIs versus nebulizers in the pediatric setting. (Pediatr Asthma Allergy Immunol 2000;14[4]:259-268.)