FDA has approved many treatments to help children with asthma lead active lives. Most asthma medicines are inhaled, either (2) through a mask with very young children, or through (3) a small device called an inhaler. For inhalers, doctors might also prescribe (4) a device called a spacer. The spacer attaches to the inhaler to make sure that the right dose of medicine gets into the child’s lungs. “Rescue” medications treat severe symptoms, while “controller” medicines prevent or lessen symptoms. In addition, health care providers might recommend the use of (5) a peak flow meter to monitor how well a child’s treatment is working. Health care professionals will also provide (6) an asthma action plan. No matter what the medication or device, it is important for parents and children to follow the instructions and to contact their doctor’s office or pharmacy with any questions.

To download a PDF of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute's Asthma Action Plan, go to www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/lung/asthma/asthma_actplan.pdf

To learn more read the FDA Consumer Update at www.fda.gov/ForConsumers/ConsumerUpdates/ucm306476.htm