Getting an 8yr old to use an inhaler

[lucyem]

My son was diagnosed with asthma and now needs an inhaler. He is VERY resistant to using it. I tried a lot of logical approaches and got nowhere. I am not sure what my DH said but DS did try and is now crying and upset. DS said the inhaler hurt his tongue and totally refuses to try again. The face mask is $50 and not covered by insurance. Help please.

[odenata]

What type of inhaler is it? Does he have a spacer for it?

[lucyem]

What is a spacer? It looks like any inhaler I have ever seen. Here is a photo of one that looks just like it. www.enviroblog.org/2007/03/

[odenata]

I've had asthma since I was a kid, and inhalers can be tricky to use correctly. A spacer helps. You can read more about them here.

I never used a mask with my inhaler, are you talking about something like this? If so, that's a type of spacer. They sell them for $30 or less on Amazon. An aerochamber is even cheaper.

[MusicianDad]

A spacer is a tube that goes between the inhaler and the mouth that makes the inhaler easier to use. I'm not sure how expesive they are, but the proper use of an inhaler can be hard for some people, particularly children, and the spacer can help get the whole dose take without having to co-ordinate the inhale and the pressing of the inhaler.

A spacer.

[MusicianDad]

Too late...

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

Wow that is a lot of $ for a mask. I got dd's at the pharmacy no script for $8 and $4 for the spacer to go with it. She is to big now to need the mask so just uses the plastic spacer.

What inhaler is he using? The rescue type or a daily dose type?

[lucyem]

I am going to look for a spacer tomorrow at the drug store. Thank you!

[canadianhippie]

I used to have to use a inhaler with the aerochamber for a anxious 6 year old, i couldnt imagine it without the chamber, I dont think its too expensive. Her mom taught her like a 1 2 3, breathe in. And you would press it down, the child just needs to hold the mask on for 10-15 seconds? I think, its been awhile.

Your DS can be part of the process, he can shake up the puffer, attach the tubes, etc. Time it around maybe his favourite show or something so he's not paying to much attention to the puffer. Bring it to him in whatever activity he's doing, that way its not come over here and take this, might be a little intimidating. Thats all, hope the suggestions help, these are just what got the 6 yr old comfortable with it, she had it 2-3 times a day

[MCatLvrMom2A&X]

If you cant find a decent priced one let me know and I will pick one up for you and mail it. There is no sense in paying a ton of money like that.

[Oubliette8]

Does he have siblings? I had to use an inhaler as a child and was very embarrassed to have my siblings see me use it. It didn't help that they clamored and stared. If I had been given some privacy, I think there would have been much less drama about using it.

Definitely get a spacer, it makes them much easier for a child to use.

How much does he know about WHY he needs to use it? Most people, kids included, are more compliant with treatment if they understand their condition and how the medicine helps.