Hand nebulizers and asthma therapy in children and adolescents

[摘要] Should pressurized bronchodilator hand nebulizers be prescribed for routine treatment of asthma in children and adolescents? There has been considerable controversy about pressurized hand nebulizers since they were introduced into clinical medicine about 15 years ago. Proponents point to convenience, prompt relief of symptoms, and the advantage of a drug-delivery system which administers medication directly to the lungs. Others cite the danger of permitting the patient to determine his dosage of such a potent bronchodilator drug which may be packaged to deliver up to 600 dosages of medication per cartridge. Another danger is the psychological dependence which frequently results in a high abuse rate and the substitution of a nebulizer for effective oral bronchodilator therapy.

[学科分类] 儿科学