DS just been prescribed a brown inhaler - why does he need the mask?

[scrambledhead]

Sorry if this sounds really thick. I've never had an inhaler. When I've seen people use them they've always put the inhaler to their mouth but we've got this huge mask thing to use.

He's happy with it so no issues, I just want to make sure it all goes in his mouth - iykwim. He's 5 btw.

Thanks

Because when you use an inhaler on its own it tastes foul, The mask stops you spraying it directly onto your tounge

I think they give them the mask as children find it harder to inhale from the actual inhaler. If I remember they have to take quite a few really deep breaths to ensure it all goes into their mouth correctly.
As long as he's happy using it that's good. My ds didn't like it at all and I used to have to bribe him with sweets

Thanks both. Hopefully we'll get some sleep tonight ...

Also prevents thrush in the mouth, like the others have said it ensures the steroid gets into the lung where it's needed rather than the mouth where it can cause thrush.

my dd has a mask our gp told us when you use it keep mask on and count to ten.it just ensures they get the dose.

do you mean the plastic spacer device? They suck in and out of it?

Because when people use the little hand held thgins on their own, a large proportion of the medication never makes it down their respiratory system. Lots will go into the air or just stay in their mouths. No good.

Spacers make sure the medicine goes where it is needed as fast as possible.

dd2 beathes in and out of the spacer deeply ten times. Again, to make sure she is properly inhaling the medicine. It has to get down the airways and to the lungs.

Thanks. Today he's been given a blue one as well so I'm becoming a bit of an expert ..........