Is it safe for my child to use an inhaler?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 7 year old daughter has wheezing. Her doctor advised me to use an inhaler. But, I am afraid of using it. Is inhaler the only solution for wheezing? Can I stop using it after she recovers or is it to be continued for life long?

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

The inhaler is the only effective solution for wheezing.

The duration of the treatment varies from three to nine months based on the severity of the problem and the child's response.

There is nothing to be scared about as it is just a method of delivering the medicine like we have tablets, syrups or injections. As the wheezing is related to the lungs, an inhaler directly delivers the medicine to the lungs and hence gives immediate relief.

Also, if the same medicine is given in a syrup form, the dosage is much higher. So, it cannot be given for a long period. When the medicine is delivered in the form of an inhaler, a few micrograms of the medicine alone is required. So, it can be used for a long duration without much side effects.