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Original poster

Tips for getting 4yo to use inhaler

34 replies

Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 11:16

Hi my 4yo ds has been prescribed an inhaler and spacer but I don't think he is using it properly.

I think he is just breathing it into his mouth and straight back out again without it going into his lungs if that makes sense?

Anything I can do to help him or will be just get the hang of it eventually?

OP posts:
Pinkywoo · 30/01/2018 11:43

Practice holding his breath for 10 seconds with him without the inhaler, this should help with taking a proper breath in. Then get him to do the exact same thing while you hold the spacer and press the inhaler, make it like a game with a countdown, so 1, 2, press, breathe in.

Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 14:11

Thank you great idea, I'll be practicing that with him.

OP posts:
Booboostwo · 30/01/2018 14:25

When mine has his inhaler with the spacer we are supposed to count 10 breaths slowly, surely he can't mouth breath for that long? Is your DC supposed to only take one breath with the spacer on? That sounds odd to me, might be worth double checking with your GP?

hp2 · 30/01/2018 14:29

What make of spacer is it? Some you can do something called tidal breathing, where basically you just breathe in and out .1puff - 4 breaths in and out then repeat.

KendalMintCakey · 30/01/2018 14:31

he's 12 now but I used to get his teddy too as well

Sirzy · 30/01/2018 14:33

Is it a spacer with mask?

Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 14:36

No mask just mouthpiece.

He has to do about 10 breaths in for each puff but I can't get him to do it properly

OP posts:
Sirzy · 30/01/2018 14:38

I would ask for one with a mask instead. Much easier to make sure they get the full dose if they aren’t able to make a seal and breath well with just the mouthpiece

FadedRed · 30/01/2018 14:41

Sorry to ask if you have already done this:
Had a appointment with the Asthma nurse at your GP's? To find the best type of device to suit your child and how to use it.
Had a look at Asthma UK website? There are tips and videos about techniques to use with inhalers.
www.asthma.org.uk/advice/child/medicines/help/#sixtips

Booboostwo · 30/01/2018 14:41

We have one with a mask as well. Very easy to use, DS has been using it since he was about 1yo. Have also used it with a dog...of course I am not comparing your DS to a dog, just illustrating that it is so much easier with a mask.

Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:08

Well I took the prescription in to the chemist, the pharmacist rang my doctors surgery to try and change the prescription for one with a mask but the doctor said no.

Thanks for the asthma link but the doctor also said he won't call it asthma even though he thinks it probably is. Confused

OP posts:
hp2 · 30/01/2018 16:11

For his age he should have a mask. Try teaching him to suck and blow through the mouthpiece. Is it an aerochamber or volumatic?

Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:15

It's a volumatic. Thanks I will get him to practice.

OP posts:
Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:18

I feel like I don't actually have a clue about any of it.

I've been reading that the blue one is supposed to relieve symptoms but the doctor said to use it before bed and in the morning . But ds doesn't start coughing until he's been asleep for at least half n hour so should I give it to him then instead? He also doesn't start coughing until we leave the house to walk to school so should I give it to him before we leave or once we are outside and he starts coughing?

OP posts:
brookby · 30/01/2018 16:19

In some boroughs you can self refer to the asthma team - might be worth it to get the right help.

hp2 · 30/01/2018 16:21

Ok . The pead masks for volumatics aren't great. if you can hear it click he is doing it right. If you look closely you should see the valve open with each breath in an close as he breathes out. You can try making it a game to see if he can make it click. There is also a little vent hole if this is uppermost he might be able to see his fringe move as he breathes out!

hp2 · 30/01/2018 16:22

Oh and the GP is right to treat as asthma but not label him at such a young age.

Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:23

I can see it move about half of the breaths he makes but it doesn't make a click

OP posts:
Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:24

Sorry if I sound really thick but I've never had any dealings with asthma or inhalers before and I just don't want to get it wrong.

OP posts:
Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:24

But I really appreciate all your help.

OP posts:
hp2 · 30/01/2018 16:26

The idea of the blue one is to open up the airways, they are narrowed and tight at times with asthma. Children often present initially with nocturnal cough. Cold air can also trigger tightening of the airways( bronchospasm). A scarf near to face helps warm the air so you aren't breathing cold air in.

hp2 · 30/01/2018 16:27

Better than nothing. Tell him to put a but more oomph in!!

Original poster
Shnazzyshot · 30/01/2018 16:40

Thank you hp2. Scarf is a great idea as he does struggle in the cold.

Hopefulky he will get better with practice.

OP posts:
LondonLassInTheCountry · 30/01/2018 22:18

You can buy a Aerochamber and spacer online

As well as masks for the chamber you already have

CosySnuggles · 30/01/2018 22:29

My ds started using an inhaler at 3 and also struggled with the idea of it. Just couldn't get it. He either breathed in to little and so didn't get anything or too quickly which just made him cough it all out again.

Somehow he got the idea that it was about blowing out and so he now counts his out breaths if that makes sense, but it works and it seemed to help him understand how to do it. We use an aero chamber with mask.

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