Asthma and children

These drugs (and the other inhaled drugs mentioned below) are inhaled from a variety of delivery devices, the most familiar being the pressurised metered-dose-inhaler. Special adaptors and types of inhaler are available to make it easier to administer inhaled medication to young children. A doctor or practice nurse can recommend which type will be the most suitable.

Longer-acting beta 2 agonists include salmeterol. Their action lasts over 12 hours, making them suitable for twice daily dosage. These medications are particularly good for exercise-induced problems and night-time symptoms. They are not suitable for very young children.

Anticholinergics
One of the ways in which the size of the airways is naturally controlled is through nerves that connect to the muscles. The nerve impulses cause the muscles to contract, thus narrowing the airway. Anticholinergic drugs block this effect, allowing the airway to open. The size of this effect is fairly small, so it is most noticeable if the airways have already been narrowed by other conditions, such as chronic bronchitis. These drugs are therefore not commonly used in children, but ipratropium is available for use in children if required.

Theophylline
Theophylline and aminophylline are given by mouth and are less commonly used in Britain because they are more likely to give side effects than inhaled treatment. They are still in very wide use throughout the world.

Preventers
There are three main groups of these.