Aerosol Therapy

Many children with asthma, reactive airway disease, and broncho pulmonary dyplasia will utilize bronchodilator or anti-inflam matory medications. Patients with cystic fibrosis commonly use aerosol antibiotics and mucolytics. Medications may be delivered by metered dose inhaler (MDI, also known as puffer) or by nebulizer. MDIs need to be used correctly and the technique should be reviewed at each clinic visit. A spacer should be used with the MDIs children and a mouthpiece or facemask, depending on the medication to be delivered even to infants.

MDI therapy allows delivery of medicine in childen and has advantage of portability and convenience. Compressor-driven nebulizers are used to deliver larger volumes of medication. The two  components of the system are the compressor and the nebulizer. The compressor produces a flow rate of 8-15L/min at abaut 20 psi. It can be electricity or battery-driven.